A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 16-year-old client who reports abdominal pain and is accompanied by an adult neighbor. The provider diagnoses a ruptured appendix and states that the client requires an emergency appendectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: A nurse places a mask on a client with tuberculosis before transport to the radiology department is a safe handling technique, as it prevents the transmission of airborne pathogens to other clients and staff. The nurse should also wear a respirator and follow the standard and airborne precautions.

Choice B reason: A nurse cleans up a blood spill with hydrogen peroxide is not a safe handling technique, as it can damage the skin and mucous membranes and cause irritation and infection. The nurse should use a bleach solution or an approved disinfectant to clean up blood spills and follow the standard and contact precautions.

Choice C reason: A nurse removes her gown after leaving the client's room is not a safe handling technique, as it can contaminate the environment and expose the nurse to infectious agents. The nurse should remove the gown before leaving the client's room and dispose of it in a designated receptacle.

Choice D reason: A nurse disconnects an indwelling urinary catheter from the drainage bag to collect a specimen is not a safe handling technique, as it can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and cause infection. The nurse should use a sterile syringe and needle to aspirate the specimen from the sampling port and follow the standard and contact precautions.

Choice A reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is not complex or chronic. The nurse can manage the client's care by monitoring their vital signs, fluid intake and output, and hydration status. The nurse can also educate the client on how to prevent orthostatic hypotension by changing positions slowly and wearing compression stockings.

Choice B reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is well-controlled and self-managed. The nurse can manage the client's care by checking their blood glucose levels, administering insulin as prescribed, and providing dietary and lifestyle education. The nurse can also collaborate with the diabetes educator or the endocrinologist if needed.

Choice C reason: Although this client is at risk for pressure ulcers, their albumin level is within the normal range, indicating adequate nutritional status. Low albumin levels are often associated with poor wound healing and increased risk of skin breakdown, but in this case, nutrition does not appear to be a concern. Preventive measures, such as regular repositioning, skin assessments, and pressure-relieving devices, can be implemented by nursing staff without requiring an interdisciplinary meeting.

Choice D reason:This client is the most appropriate candidate for an interdisciplinary conference. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a critical lab value for monitoring heparin therapy, and a level of 34 seconds is below the therapeutic range. A subtherapeutic aPTT increases the risk of clot formation, indicating that the heparin dose may need to be adjusted. An interdisciplinary team, including the physician, pharmacist, nurse, and laboratory personnel, should collaborate to ensure safe and effective anticoagulation management. This conference would allow for a discussion on dosage adjustments, potential medication interactions, and continued monitoring to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.