A nurse in a rural community is providing education to a group of clients about first aid interventions for snake bites to prevent further injury. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A Reason:

The statement that “Your provider will use your digital rectal examination to perform the test” is incorrect. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) typically involves collecting stool samples at home over several days, not during a digital rectal examination. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis to detect hidden blood in the stool.

Choice B Reason:

The statement that “Your provider will prescribe a stimulant laxative prior to the procedure to evacuate the bowel” is also incorrect. There is no need for a stimulant laxative before an FOBT. The test requires normal bowel movements to detect any hidden blood in the stool.

Choice C Reason:

The recommendation to “begin annual fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening at 40 years old” is not accurate. Current guidelines generally recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for individuals at average risk. However, those with higher risk factors may need to start earlier, based on their healthcare provider’s advice.

Choice D Reason:

The statement “You should avoid taking corticosteroids prior to testing” is correct. Certain medications, including corticosteroids, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which may lead to false-positive results in an FOBT. Therefore, it is important to avoid these medications before the test, as advised by a healthcare provider.

Choice A Reason

Request a prescription for an antibiotic. This intervention is not typically included in the standard care plan for all COPD patients. Antibiotics are generally reserved for cases of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) with signs of bacterial infection, such as increased dyspnea, increased sputum purulence, and increased sputum volume. Routine use of antibiotics without these signs is not recommended.

Choice B Reason

Educate the client on pursed-lip breathing. This is the correct intervention. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps improve ventilation, release trapped air in the lungs, and reduce the work of breathing. It is particularly beneficial for patients with COPD as it helps them manage shortness of breath and improve their breathing efficiency.

Choice C Reason

Place the client on airborne precautions. This intervention is incorrect. COPD is not an infectious disease that requires airborne precautions. Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through the air, such as tuberculosis. COPD management focuses on improving lung function and preventing exacerbations.

Choice D Reason

Initiate oxygen therapy for SpO₂ of 92%. This intervention is partially correct but needs clarification. Oxygen therapy is typically initiated for COPD patients with chronic hypoxemia, usually when SpO₂ is less than 88-90%. An SpO₂ of 92% may not necessarily require oxygen therapy unless the patient is experiencing significant symptoms or has other comorbid conditions.