A nurse is caring for a client who has a vented NG tube set to low intermittent suction and has vomited.

Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

The correct answer is choice C, malaise.

Malaise is a general feeling of discomfort, weakness, or illness that can be a sign of infection. According to the health search result from Focus Medica , bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs that causes symptoms such as cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Malaise is one of the symptoms that may follow these signs of infection.

Choice A, drooling, is wrong because it is not a typical symptom of bacterial pneumonia.

Drooling can be caused by other conditions, such as sore throat, dental problems, or neurological disorders.

Choice B, tinnitus, is wrong because it is not a symptom of bacterial pneumonia either.

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or other ear problems.

Choice D, rhinorrhea, is wrong because it is not specific to bacterial pneumonia.

Rhinorrhea is a runny nose that can be caused by many factors, such as allergies, colds, or sinus infections.

Rhinorrhea can sometimes occur with viral pneumonia, but not usually with bacterial pneumonia.

Choice A reason:

"You might experience altered taste sensations" is the correct statement. When providing teaching to a client about to undergo external radiation therapy for cancer, the nurse should include information about potential side effects and what to expect during the treatment. One common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on or near the head and neck region, is altered taste sensations. Radiation can affect the taste buds and lead to changes in how foods taste.

Choice B reason:

"Use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink markings. “The statement is incorrect. The ink markings made on the client's skin are used as reference points for the radiation therapy treatment. It is essential not to remove these markings, as they are crucial for accurate positioning during each treatment session. The nurse should instruct the client not to tamper with the markings, and the radiation therapy team will remove them when they are no longer needed.

Choice C reason:

"Wear a binder over the radiation site." The statement is incorrect. Wearing a binder over the radiation site is not a standard practice during external radiation therapy. The client should be instructed to follow the specific guidelines provided by the radiation therapy team regarding clothing and positioning during treatments. The use of binders or other tight clothing over the treatment area may not be recommended, as it can cause discomfort or interfere with the delivery of radiation.

Choice D reason

"Wash your skin thoroughly with a washcloth after each treatment." Is incorrect statement. During radiation therapy, the skin in the treatment area can become sensitive. It is essential for the client to follow the specific instructions provided by the radiation therapy team regarding skin care. Generally, the client should avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the skin vigorously. Instead, they should gently cleanse the area with a mild soap or as directed by their healthcare providers.