A client with tuberculosis returns to the clinic for daily antibiotic injections for a urinary infection. The client has been taking antitubercular medications for 10 weeks and reports ringing in the ears. Which prescribed medication should the practical nurse (PN) report to the healthcare provider?

A. A preschooler who had an emergency appendectomy should be checked first. Children are at higher risk for complications due to their size and the stress of emergency surgery, so close monitoring is essential.
B. An adult with osteomyelitis post-surgery is important to monitor but is generally at lower immediate risk compared to a young child following emergency surgery.
C. A post-menopausal client with breast cancer who had a lumpectomy is also a priority, but the immediate postoperative period for a child in emergency surgery takes precedence.
D. An adolescent with type 1 diabetes who had cholecystectomy requires careful monitoring, but the child’s higher risk in the immediate postoperative phase makes them the priority.

A. Use a client-specific stethoscope.
Indicated: Using a client-specific stethoscope helps prevent the spread of MRSA between patients. Each client should have dedicated equipment to reduce cross-contamination.
B. Wipe the medication cart with bleach after bringing it into the room.
Not Indicated: While disinfection of surfaces is important, the cart should be cleaned according to hospital protocol, which may involve different cleaning agents. Bleach is not typically used for medication carts and might not be the standard protocol.
C. Measure the client's temperature with a disposable thermometer.
Indicated: Using a disposable thermometer or single-use covers for thermometers prevents the transmission of MRSA to other patients. This practice helps maintain infection control.
D. Change gloves between different clients.
Indicated: Gloves should be changed between patients to prevent the spread of MRSA. This is a standard infection control practice to avoid cross-contamination.
E. Pad the client's side rails with clean linens.
Not Indicated: While padding the side rails may be done for client comfort or safety, it does not specifically address the control of MRSA spread and is not a direct infection control measure for MRSA.