A nurse is assisting the guardians of a newborn with the transition to parenthood. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Review the need for the indwelling urinary catheter daily: Daily review of catheter necessity reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prompt removal when no longer needed limits bacterial entry and colonization, which significantly lowers infection rates in hospitalized clients.

B. Empty the drainage bag when it is half full: The drainage bag should be emptied when it is about two-thirds full, not half full, to prevent backflow and reduce strain on the system. Emptying too early or too often increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the closed system.

C. Use soap and water to provide perineal care: Using soap and water for perineal hygiene maintains cleanliness and reduces bacterial colonization near the catheter site. Routine perineal care is a critical intervention to minimize the risk of ascending infections into the urinary tract.

D. Place the drainage bag on the bed when transporting the client: The drainage bag must remain below bladder level during transport to prevent backflow of urine into the bladder. Placing the bag on the bed risks contamination and promotes reflux of potentially infected urine.

E. Encourage the client to drink 1000 mL of fluid daily: Although hydration generally helps prevent UTIs, this client is on a strict 1000 mL fluid restriction due to heart failure. Encouraging more fluid intake could worsen fluid overload and does not align with current prescribed therapy.

F. Change the indwelling urinary catheter tubing every 3 days: Routine changing of catheter tubing is not recommended unless clinically indicated (e.g., contamination, obstruction, infection). Unnecessary manipulation increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary system.

A. Take vital signs on clients as they are admitted: Taking vital signs is within the scope of practice for assistive personnel (AP) and is an essential task during a mass casualty event. It provides critical baseline information that the licensed staff can use to prioritize care and identify urgent needs.

B. Respond to family members about a client's condition: Communicating about a client's medical condition requires clinical judgment and is the responsibility of licensed nursing staff or healthcare providers. APs are not trained or authorized to give out clinical information to family members.

C. Clean and dress client abdominal wounds: Wound care, especially for open or surgical wounds like those on the abdomen, involves assessment and sterile technique, which must be performed by licensed personnel, not assistive personnel.

D. Determine which clients should be seen first: Determining client priority, also known as triage, requires nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical assessment skills. It is a responsibility that falls to licensed nurses, not assistive personnel.