A nurse is assessing a client who has respiratory alkalosis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

B. Confirm the patient’s identity by checking their wristband.
Explanation: Always begin by confirming the patient’s identity to ensure the correct treatment is given to the right patient. This step is critical in maintaining patient safety and is a standard part of care.

C. Provide privacy for the patient by closing the curtains.
Explanation: After confirming identity, ensuring privacy is important for the patient’s comfort and dignity. This is especially relevant for procedures like enemas, which may cause embarrassment or discomfort.

A. Assisting the patient into the Sims’ position.
Explanation: The Sims' position, where the patient lies on their left side with the right knee flexed, is the preferred position for enema administration. This position allows for easy insertion of the enema tube and ensures that gravity helps the solution flow into the rectum and colon.

D. Insert the tip of the enema tubing into the patient’s rectum.
Explanation: Once the patient is in the correct position, the nurse carefully inserts the enema tubing into the rectum, following proper technique to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Choice A rationale:

Positioning the client supine is not the immediate next step after performing hand hygiene when preparing to remove a patient’s urinary catheter. While it is important to ensure the patient is in a comfortable and appropriate position for the procedure, the immediate next step should be focused on ensuring the area is clean to prevent infection.

Choice B rationale:

After performing hand hygiene, the nurse should cleanse the perineal area with an antiseptic. This is to ensure that the area is clean before proceeding with the removal of the urinary catheter. It helps to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract, which could lead to a urinary tract infection. The use of an antiseptic is recommended to kill any potential pathogens that may be present.

Choice C rationale:

Deflating the balloon halfway and then pulling out the catheter is not the immediate next step after performing hand hygiene. This step is usually done later in the process. Before deflating the balloon, it is important to ensure that the area is clean to prevent infection. Moreover, deflating the balloon halfway could potentially cause discomfort or injury to the patient. The balloon should be fully deflated before the catheter is removed.

Choice D rationale:

Having the client bear down during removal is not the immediate next step after performing hand hygiene. This action might be suggested during the actual removal of the catheter to aid in the process, but it is not the immediate next step. The focus right after hand hygiene should be on cleaning the area to prevent infection.