A nurse is caring for a client.

Click on the findings that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

Nurses' Notes

1500:

Client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time. Client is 4 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Surgical site has a small amount of serosanguineous drainage on dressing. Dressing is intact. Client reports pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10. Lung sounds are diminished in posterior lobes. Bowel sounds are hypoactive in all 4 quadrants. Last bowel movement was this morning.

1730:

Client is restless and short of breath. Reports pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. Pain medication administered.

Vital Signs

1730:

• Temperature 37.2° C (98.9° F)
• Blood pressure 168/84 mm Hg
• Heart rate 116/min
• Respiratory rate 24/min
• Oxygen saturation 93% on room air

Choice A reason:
Protective precautions are not necessary because they (also known as reverse isolation) are used for immunocompromised clients to protect them from potential pathogens carried by healthcare workers or visitors.
Choice B reason:
Droplet precautions are not necessary because they are used for infections spread through larger respiratory droplets, like influenza or pertussis.
Choice C reason:
Airborne precautions should be implemented by the nurse. Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through the airborne route, as the bacteria that cause TB can be suspended in the air as tiny particles (droplet nuclei) when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These particles can be inhaled by others, leading to the potential transmission of the disease.
Choice D reason:
Contact precautions are not necessary because they are used for infections that are transmitted through direct contact with the client or contaminated surfaces, such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or C. difficile.

Choice A reason:
Obtaining printed information about insulin self-administration is a first recommendation as it can be done after ensuring the client's ability to afford the supplies.
Choice B reason:
Making a copy of the medication reconciliation form for the client is not a first recommendation as it can be done after ensuring the client's access to supplies.
Choice C reason:
Determining whether the client can afford the insulin administration supplies is the first action to be taken. The first step should be to ensure that the client can afford the insulin administration supplies. Proper management of diabetes requires having access to the necessary equipment, including insulin, syringes, pens, or other devices. If the client cannot afford these supplies, alternative options or assistance programs may need to be explored to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
Choice D reason:
Providing the client with the contact number for a diabetes education specialist is important for long-term management, but addressing the affordability of supplies should take precedence initially.