A married woman comes to the clinic for her annual well-woman physical examination. During the interview with the practical nurse (PN), the client makes minimal eye contact. The PN observes yellow bruising to the lower eye and purple bruising on the client's upper arm, which look like fingerprints. Which question is best for the PN to ask the client?

A. Report the liquid stool to the healthcare provider: While unusual or severe diarrhea may require notification, mild watery stools are an expected effect of sodium polystyrene sulfonate as it promotes potassium excretion. Immediate reporting is not necessary unless dehydration or electrolyte imbalance occurs.

B. Withhold the medication until the diarrhea stops: Holding the medication is not indicated for mild, expected watery stools. Interrupting therapy could delay potassium removal and compromise the client’s treatment plan.

C. Recommend that the client increase fiber in the diet: Increasing dietary fiber does not counteract the expected laxative effect of sodium polystyrene sulfonate and may not be appropriate for all clients, particularly those on restricted diets or with other comorbidities.

D. Explain that this is a desired effect of the medication: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate works by exchanging sodium for potassium in the intestines, resulting in softer or watery stools. Educating the client about this expected outcome helps reduce anxiety and supports adherence to therapy.

A. Advise the UAP to wash hands before providing further care: While reminding the UAP to wash hands before assisting another client is important, the immediate concern is that the UAP may have left the client’s room without performing proper hand hygiene, which risks cross-contamination.

B. Determine if the UAP was wearing gloves when providing care: The use of gloves does not replace the need for proper hand hygiene. Even if gloves were worn, hands must still be washed after glove removal to prevent the spread of pathogens.

C. Instruct the UAP to return to the client's room to wash hands: Directing the UAP to perform hand hygiene immediately after client contact ensures compliance with standard precautions and protects other clients from contamination.

D. Remind the UAP to use an alcohol-based hand rub regularly: Regular use of alcohol-based sanitizer is encouraged, but in this case, the PN should ensure immediate corrective action rather than provide a general reminder. The focus must be on stopping the current breach of infection control.