A nurse is assisting with the care of a client on a medical surgical unit who was admitted from the emergency department.

Exhibits

For each assessment finding on Day 2 click to specify if the finding is due to lisinopril, carvedilol, or furosemide. Each finding may be related to more than 1 medication.

A. Obtain a large-bore IV catheter. A large-bore IV catheter (18-gauge or larger) is necessary for blood transfusion to allow for rapid administration and reduce the risk of hemolysis. The provider has already prescribed this intervention.
B. Explain to the client that transfusion reactions are not serious. This statement is inaccurate and misleading. While many transfusion reactions are mild, some can be life-threatening, such as hemolytic reactions or anaphylaxis. The nurse should educate the client about signs and symptoms of a transfusion reaction and instruct them to report any discomfort or unusual sensations immediately.
C. Ensure two nurses confirm the information on the blood label. Before administering blood, two nurses must verify the blood product against the client's identification band, medical record, and blood bank documentation to prevent transfusion errors.
D. Ensure the transfusion tubing is flushed with dextrose 5% in water. Blood products should only be administered with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) because dextrose-containing solutions can cause red blood cell hemolysis. The nurse should ensure the IV tubing is primed with normal saline before starting the transfusion.
E. Witness the client signing consent for transfusion. Informed consent is required before administering a blood transfusion. While obtaining consent is the provider’s responsibility, the nurse can witness the signing and ensure that the client understands the procedure.

A. "Droplet precautions require that I wear a gown and gloves when providing client care." Droplet precautions require wearing a surgical mask when within three feet of the client, but gowns and gloves are only needed if direct contact with secretions is expected. Incorrect PPE use can lead to inadequate protection or unnecessary resource use. Understanding specific precaution types ensures proper infection control.
B. "Following a blood spill, I should use a bleach solution with a ratio of 1 to 20." Blood spills should be cleaned using a 1:10 bleach solution, not 1:20, to ensure effective decontamination. A stronger bleach concentration eliminates bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B. The solution should be applied to the spill and left to sit before wiping. Using an incorrect dilution reduces disinfection effectiveness.
C. "Soiled dressings should be placed in a biohazard trash receptacle." Soiled dressings contain bodily fluids and potential pathogens, so they must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Regular trash does not provide adequate containment and increases the risk of contamination. Proper disposal protects healthcare workers and the environment from infection. Adhering to these protocols ensures compliance with infection control standards.
D. "For a client who has Clostridium difficile, I will cleanse my hands with an alcohol-based rub." Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against Clostridium difficile spores, requiring handwashing with soap and water. The mechanical action of scrubbing is necessary to remove spores from the hands. Proper hand hygiene reduces transmission risks in healthcare settings. Infection control protocols emphasize soap and water for C. difficile prevention.