A nurse is assisting in the discharge planning of an infant who has a spica cast. Which of the following equipment needs should the nurse identify for discharge?

A. The nurse handled the sterile gauze with clean gloves on: Handling sterile gauze with clean, non-sterile gloves contaminates the gauze and compromises the sterile field. Sterile gloves or sterile instruments must be used to maintain sterility.

B. The nurse opened the package of gauze toward their body: Opening a sterile package toward the body increases the risk of contaminating the sterile field. The first flap should always be opened away from the body to maintain proper sterile technique.

C. The nurse placed a bottle of saline on the sterile field: Placing a non-sterile item, such as an unsterilized saline bottle, onto a sterile field contaminates the entire field. Only sterile items should touch the sterile field.

D. The nurse kept their hands above the waist during the dressing change: Maintaining hands above the waist is crucial in sterile technique. Anything held below waist level is considered contaminated, so this action shows proper understanding of maintaining sterility.

A. Recommend frequent hot baths: Hot baths can exacerbate symptoms in clients with multiple sclerosis by increasing fatigue and worsening muscle weakness due to a rise in core body temperature. Clients are usually advised to avoid overheating and use cooling strategies instead to manage their symptoms.

B. Encourage the client to restrict performing range-of-motion exercises: Range-of-motion exercises are important in maintaining joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility. Restricting these exercises could lead to increased stiffness, weakness, and decreased functional ability in clients with multiple sclerosis.

C. Monitor the client's ability to perform ADLs: Monitoring the client's ability to perform activities of daily living is essential because multiple sclerosis often leads to progressive physical limitations. Regular assessment helps in planning appropriate interventions, promoting independence, and adjusting care as the disease progresses.

D. Initiate contact precautions: Contact precautions are not necessary for clients with multiple sclerosis because it is not an infectious disease. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative condition that requires supportive care rather than infection control measures.