A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has pneumonia.

Exhibits

For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the potential action is. anticipated or contraindicated for the client.

Choice A rationale:

Facial erythema (redness of the face) is not a typical manifestation of pertussis (whooping cough) Pertussis primarily presents with a severe cough, often followed by a "whooping" sound during inhalation, and can cause complications like pneumonia and apnea. Facial erythema is not a characteristic sign of the disease.

Choice B rationale:

A beefy, red tongue is not a common manifestation of pertussis. This description is more suggestive of other conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or certain infections. Pertussis primarily involves respiratory symptoms, and a red tongue is not a typical finding associated with the disease.

Choice C rationale:

Fever is a common manifestation of pertussis, and it is often one of the early symptoms. However, it is not the most specific sign of the disease, as many other infections can also cause fever. While fever can occur in pertussis, it is not the most distinctive feature of the condition.

Choice D rationale:

Koplik spots are not associated with pertussis but rather with measles (rubeola) Koplik spots are small white or grayish-blue spots with a red halo that appear on the mucous membranes inside the cheeks and are characteristic of measles. Pertussis is primarily known for its characteristic cough and paroxysms of coughing, not for Koplik spots.

Choice A rationale:

Instructing parents to avoid bringing fresh flowers into the room is not the primary intervention for a child with Clostridium difficile. While it is essential to maintain a clean environment, the most critical action is to implement proper infection control measures.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer. Initiating contact precautions is crucial when caring for a child with Clostridium difficile. This includes using gloves and gowns to prevent the spread of the bacteria to others.

Choice C rationale:

Using a HEPA filtration system in the room is not the first-line intervention for managing Clostridium difficile. While it can help maintain air quality, it does not directly address the transmission of the bacteria.

Choice D rationale:

Using an N95 respirator is not the primary action in caring for a child with Clostridium difficile. Contact precautions, such as gloves and gowns, are more critical to prevent the spread of infection.