A nurse is caring for a client who has methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an abdominal wound. The nurse prepares to enter the room to check the client's pulse. What personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse wear?

Choice A reason: This is not the priority assessment because peripheral edema is not a lifethreatening complication of immobility. Peripheral edema is the swelling of the lower extremities due to fluid accumulation. It can be caused by various factors, such as venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney disease, or medication side effects. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid status and provide elevation and compression therapy as needed.

Choice B reason: This is the priority assessment because lung sounds can indicate the presence of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia or atelectasis, which are common and serious consequences of immobility. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation, mucus production, and impaired gas exchange. Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. The nurse should auscultate the client's lung sounds regularly and report any abnormal findings, such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds. The nurse should also encourage the client to cough, deep breathe, and use incentive spirometry to prevent or treat respiratory problems.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority assessment because bowel sounds can reflect the status of the gastrointestinal system, which is not directly affected by immobility. Bowel sounds are the noises produced by the movement of food and gas through the intestines. They can vary in frequency and intensity depending on the client's diet, activity, and medications. The nurse should auscultate the client's bowel sounds and assess for any signs of constipation, diarrhea, or obstruction. The nurse should also promote the client's bowel function by providing adequate hydration, fiber, and laxatives as ordered.

Choice D reason: This is not the priority assessment because skin turgor can indicate the level of hydration, which is not a primary concern of immobility. Skin turgor is the elasticity of the skin that allows it to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled. It can be affected by factors such as age, weight loss, dehydration, or edema. The nurse should assess the client's skin turgor and provide adequate fluids and electrolytes as needed. The nurse should also pay attention to the client's skin integrity and prevent or treat any pressure ulcers or wounds that may result from immobility.

Choice A reason: Calling a chaplain is not the priority nursing action for a client who is in critical condition and hypotensive. The chaplain may not be available or may not be able to provide adequate support to the spouse. This choice does not address the client’s urgent medical needs or the spouse’s emotional needs.

Choice B reason: Maintaining the client’s blood pressure is the priority nursing action for a client who is in critical condition and hypotensive. The nurse should monitor the client’s vital signs, administer fluids and medications, and provide oxygen as ordered. This choice addresses the client’s urgent medical needs and may prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Providing the spouse a chair is not the priority nursing action for a client who is in critical condition and hypotensive. The spouse may not want to sit down or may not be able to stay calm. This choice does not address the client’s urgent medical needs or the spouse’s emotional needs.

Choice D reason: Asking the client’s spouse to explain what happened is not the priority nursing action for a client who is in critical condition and hypotensive. The spouse may not be able to recall or communicate the details of the event. This choice does not address the client’s urgent medical needs or the spouse’s emotional needs.