A newly licensed nurse is reviewing the role of a nurse in disaster planning. Which of the following is an activity a nurse should engage in to assist in disaster preparedness?

Choice A reason: Decreased bowel sounds 6 hours post-hysterectomy are expected due to anesthesia and surgical manipulation, typically resolving within 24-48 hours. Urinary output of 75 mL in 3 hours is more urgent. Assuming bowel sounds require reporting risks overlooking critical renal issues, potentially delaying intervention in postoperative care.

Choice B reason: Urinary output of 75 mL in 3 hours (25 mL/hour) is below the expected 30-50 mL/hour, indicating potential renal compromise or obstruction post-hysterectomy, requiring immediate reporting. This ensures timely intervention, critical for preventing acute kidney injury, ensuring fluid balance, and supporting recovery in postoperative clients.

Choice C reason: A pain level of 4 is moderate and manageable with routine analgesics, not requiring immediate provider reporting compared to low urinary output. Assuming pain is urgent risks misprioritizing, potentially delaying critical interventions for renal issues, essential for ensuring comprehensive postoperative care and client stability.

Choice D reason: Scant dark red drainage is expected 6 hours post-hysterectomy, indicating minor surgical oozing, not requiring immediate reporting. Low urinary output is priority. Assuming drainage is concerning risks diverting focus from renal complications, critical for preventing kidney injury and ensuring safe recovery in postoperative clients.

Choice A reason: Wearing gloves prevents nicotine absorption through the nurse’s skin during patch application, ensuring safety and preventing side effects like dizziness. This adheres to standard precautions, critical for occupational health, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring effective nicotine therapy for clients in smoking cessation programs.

Choice B reason: Removing the previous patch is correct but placing it in tissue is inadequate; it should be folded and disposed in a sharps container. Assuming tissue disposal is sufficient risks improper handling, potentially exposing others to nicotine, critical to avoid in safe patch management.

Choice C reason: Applying the patch within 1 hour of pouch removal is unnecessary; patches remain stable longer. Wearing gloves is priority. Assuming time restriction risks rushed application, potentially compromising technique, critical to prevent in ensuring safe and effective nicotine patch therapy for smoking cessation.

Choice D reason: Shaving hairy areas risks skin irritation; trimming is preferred before patch application. Wearing gloves is essential. Assuming shaving is correct risks skin damage, reducing patch adhesion, critical to avoid in ensuring proper application and effective nicotine delivery in smoking cessation therapy.