A nurse in a long-term care facility is assisting in planning care for a group of clients. For which of the following clients can the nurse safely gait belt?

A. "I will use animal skin condoms when having sex.": Animal skin condoms do not provide reliable protection against HIV transmission because they have small pores that can allow viruses to pass through. Latex or synthetic condoms are recommended for effective protection.

B. "I will put soiled dressings in a tied plastic bag before placing them in the trash.": Properly disposing of soiled dressings in a securely tied plastic bag helps prevent the spread of infectious material and minimizes the risk of exposure to others, reflecting good infection control practices at home.

C. "I will place used sharp items in an empty cereal box for disposal.": Sharps should be disposed of in a puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container. An empty cereal box is not puncture-proof and can easily be breached, posing a significant risk for needlestick injuries.

D. "I will disinfect contaminated hard surfaces with a mixture of one part peroxide to 10 parts water.": The correct disinfection solution for HIV is a mixture of one part bleach to 10 parts water, not peroxide. Using an incorrect disinfectant reduces the effectiveness of killing the virus on surfaces.

• Respiratory findings: The client has a history of asthma and now presents with slight inspiratory wheezes. Although respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are normal, wheezing indicates airway narrowing, which could worsen rapidly and needs prompt follow-up to prevent an acute asthma exacerbation.
• Menstrual period: The client's menstrual period is late by two weeks, but in itself, a late period does not require immediate intervention. It is an important clinical detail but does not demand urgent follow-up unless accompanied by unstable vital signs or other concerning symptoms.
• Vaginal spotting: Scant dark red spotting in a client with a late menstrual period raises concern for an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures. Spotting, combined with abdominal tenderness and delayed menses, demands immediate evaluation to rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
• Oxygen saturation: The oxygen saturation of 97% on room air is within the normal range for a healthy adult. There is no evidence of hypoxemia, so this finding does not require immediate follow-up despite the client’s mild wheezing.
• Heart rate: The heart rate of 90/min is normal and within expected limits for adults. Although the client appears anxious, the heart rate itself does not indicate hemodynamic instability and does not require immediate intervention.
• Temperature: A temperature of 37.3° C (99.1° F) is within the normal range and does not suggest active infection or systemic illness. There is no immediate concern based solely on the client’s current temperature reading.
• Bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds can be associated with various conditions, including gastroenteritis, early bowel obstruction, or anxiety. While they contribute to the overall clinical picture of abdominal discomfort, they do not, on their own, necessitate immediate follow-up .
• Abdominal findings: Right lower quadrant abdominal tenderness, especially in combination with spotting and late menses, is concerning for an ectopic pregnancy. The possibility of rupture or hemorrhage makes abdominal tenderness a critical finding that requires urgent evaluation.