A confused older adult client is having trouble sleeping at night and is sometimes found wandering in the hallway. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?

A. Use standard precautions and wear a mask.

While standard precautions should always be followed to prevent the spread of infection, wearing a mask is not specifically indicated for MRSA unless there is a risk of respiratory transmission. Contact precautions are more appropriate for MRSA.

B. Institute contact precautions for staff and visitors.

Contact precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of MRSA, a highly contagious bacteria. This involves using gloves and gowns when entering the client's room to prevent transmission of the bacteria to others.

C. Send wound drainage for culture and sensitivity.

Culturing the wound drainage helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines the most effective antibiotics for treatment (sensitivity testing).

D. Explain the purpose of a low bacteria diet.

A low bacteria diet is not typically indicated for managing MRSA infections. Instead, the focus should be on wound care, antibiotic therapy, and infection control measures to address the MRSA infection.

E. Monitor the client's white blood cell count.

Monitoring the white blood cell count helps assess the client's immune response and the severity of the infection. Elevated white blood cell counts may indicate an active infection and the need for further intervention.

Correct answer: C

A. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with water:

This option is not the best immediate action when a client is choking after vomiting. While irrigating the nasogastric tube with water may help clear the tube itself, it does not directly address the choking episode or potential airway obstruction. The priority in this situation is to ensure the client's airway is clear and maintain their safety.

B. Perform oropharyngeal suctioning:

In this scenario, the client is experiencing an acute, life-threatening event (choking/aspiration risk). You must apply the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority framework.

C. Elevate the head of bed 45 degrees:

Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is a great preventative measure to avoid aspiration, but once the client is already vomiting and choking, you need to physically clear the airway.

D. Review the advance directive document:

Reviewing the advance directive document is important for understanding the client's wishes regarding their healthcare decisions, but it is not the appropriate action in the immediate management of a choking episode. Ensuring the client's safety and addressing the choking episode take precedence over reviewing documentation.