A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is malnourished and states, ‘’I refuse to eat right now. It goes against my beliefs.’’ Which of the following responses should nurse make?

A) NG tube: A nasogastric (NG) tube is not typically required for a client with a seizure disorder unless they have specific feeding or aspiration concerns that require tube feeding. During a seizure, the priority is to ensure airway clearance and prevent injury, not necessarily to provide nutrition through an NG tube.

B) Tongue blade: It is a common myth that tongue blades should be used to prevent a client from biting their tongue during a seizure. However, using a tongue blade can be dangerous as it can cause injury to the mouth or teeth, or even cause choking. The nurse should never attempt to place anything in the client's mouth during a seizure.

C) Suction machine: A suction machine is essential for maintaining airway patency during or after a seizure. Clients with seizure disorders may be at risk for aspiration, and the suction machine can be used to clear secretions from the mouth to prevent choking or aspiration pneumonia. This is the most appropriate supply to place at the bedside.

D) Syringe containing lorazepam: While lorazepam (a benzodiazepine) is sometimes used for acute seizure management, it is not a routine item to have immediately at the bedside unless specifically ordered for emergency seizure intervention. The nurse should follow protocol and administer medications as prescribed, but a syringe of lorazepam is not typically pre-placed at the bedside.

A) Open the fireplace dampers in the day room:
Opening the fireplace dampers in the event of an external chemical disaster would not be appropriate. In fact, this could allow toxic air or chemicals to enter the facility. It is important to seal off ventilation points that might allow the chemicals to enter, such as windows, doors, and any other openings, rather than opening the dampers.

B) Move clients to a room above ground with few windows:
In the event of an external chemical disaster, moving clients to a room above ground with few windows is a key safety measure. Rooms that are above ground level tend to be safer in such situations because chemicals may settle at ground level, increasing exposure risks to those below ground. A room with few windows is also important because it minimizes potential entry points for toxic substances from outside. The focus is on containing the air supply and limiting exposure to harmful agents.

C) Turn on fans in the facility to circulate air:
Turning on fans in the facility during a chemical disaster could worsen the situation by spreading toxic air or chemicals throughout the building. Fans are generally used to circulate air, but in this context, they would not be helpful and could potentially increase exposure to harmful substances. Instead, the focus should be on reducing airflow from the outside and sealing off the building.

D) Cover the electrical outlets with wet towels:
Covering electrical outlets with wet towels is not an effective response to an external chemical disaster. While wet towels can be useful in some scenarios for filtering or protecting from certain substances, in a chemical disaster, the priority is to ensure proper ventilation control and to protect from airborne chemicals by sealing the room. Electrical outlets should be covered for safety only when there is a risk of electrical hazards, but not necessarily in the case of a chemical disaster unless there is specific concern about sparks or fire.