A nurse is caring for a client who is dying. One of the client's family members tells the nurse, "I need to help. What can I do?" Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

Chlorine bleach is correct. Chlorine bleach is an effective disinfectant against bloodborne pathogens. It's recommended for cleaning surfaces contaminated with blood spills because it can destroy various microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. However, it's essential to follow proper dilution guidelines and safety precautions when using bleach.

Choice B Reason:

Chlorhexidine gluconate is incorrect. While chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic commonly used for skin disinfection before medical procedures or as a surgical scrub, it's not typically used for cleaning blood spills on surfaces. Its primary application is for skin disinfection, not environmental surface cleaning.

Choice C Reason:

Hydrogen peroxide is incorrect. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic that can disinfect wounds or clean certain surfaces. However, it might not be as effective as chlorine bleach in dealing with blood spills. It's generally used more for superficial wound cleaning rather than for disinfecting large contaminated surfaces.

Choice D Reason:

Isopropyl alcohol is incorrect. Isopropyl alcohol is a commonly used disinfectant for surfaces, but when it comes to blood spills, it might not be as effective as chlorine bleach. While it can kill some pathogens, its efficacy against certain bloodborne pathogens may be limited compared to bleach.

Correct Answer: C

C. Flex hips and knees when assisting the client to a standing position.Flexing the hips and knees protects the nurse’s back by using proper body mechanics and distributes the force of lifting safely. This position provides stability and reduces the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client during the transfer.

Incorrect answers:

A: "Stand on the client's stronger side when moving the client into the chair."The nurse should stand on the weaker side, not the stronger side, to provide support and assistance where it is most needed. This ensures the client is stabilized and prevents falls or instability due to the weaker side giving way.

B: "Pivot on the foot farthest from the bed when assisting the client into the chair."The nurse should pivot on the foot closest to the chair or the bed to maintain balance and stability. Pivoting on the farthest foot could lead to poor body mechanics and an increased risk of injury to the nurse or client.

D: "Raise the bed to waist level before moving the client." For transferring a client to a chair, the bed should be lowered to a position where the client’s feet can touch the floor. This provides stability and facilitates a safe transfer.