A charge nurse is planning an in-service for a group of nurses about caring for clients who have active tuberculosis. Which of the following information should the charge nurse include in the in-service?

Rationale:

A. This option is incorrect because using the abbreviation “q6h PRN” may be confusing for some clients. Discharge instructions should be written in plain language, specifying “take every 6 hours as needed for pain” to ensure understanding and reduce the risk of medication errors.

B. This option is correct because instructing the client to report pus-like drainage from the surgical wound is clear, specific, and actionable. It communicates a warning sign of potential infection that requires immediate attention, which is essential for safe postoperative care. This demonstrates the nurse’s understanding of effective discharge instruction principles.

C. This option is incorrect because a sodium-restricted diet is not typically indicated for a client after arthroplasty unless there is a coexisting condition such as hypertension or heart failure. Including unnecessary instructions can confuse the client and reduce adherence to relevant care directives.

D. This option is incorrect because while quadriceps setting exercises are part of postoperative rehabilitation, specifying the position “when supine” may be too technical. Discharge instructions should focus on functional, easily understandable instructions that the client can safely perform at home.

Rationale

• Client 3: The client is experiencing wound dehiscence with evisceration (separated incision with protruding organs), which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent infection, shock, and further tissue damage.
• Client 1: The client with dementia is confused and ambulating unsafely while attached to an IV, creating a high risk for falls and injury that requires prompt intervention once the immediate life-threatening condition is addressed.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices

• Client 2: The client has a small area of partial-thickness skin loss consistent with a stage 2 pressure injury; this requires timely care but is not an immediate or life-threatening priority.
• Client 4: The preoperative client is stable, alert, oriented, and without acute concerns; routine admission care can be safely delayed.
• Client 5: The postoperative client’s pain has improved from 7/10 to 3/10 following analgesic administration, indicating effective treatment and no urgent intervention needed.
• Client 6: The client is stable and due for a scheduled antihypertensive medication; this is a routine task and does not take priority over acute safety or life-threatening issues.