A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing muscle spasms and has a new prescription for an aquathermia pad. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is Choice a. "You will be moderately sedated during the procedure."

Choice A rationale: Colonoscopy is a common procedure used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in gastroenterology. Moderate sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is typically administered to patients undergoing colonoscopy to ensure their comfort and cooperation during the procedure. This level of sedation allows the patient to maintain their protective reflexes and respond to verbal commands, while also reducing anxiety and discomfort. The sedative agents commonly used for colonoscopy include benzodiazepines such as midazolam and analgesics such as fentanyl. The nurse should emphasize the use of moderate sedation to the patient, reassuring them that they will be in a relaxed state throughout the procedure without compromising their safety.

Choice B rationale: The statement suggesting that the patient will lie on their right side for the procedure is incorrect. During a colonoscopy, patients are typically positioned on their left side with their knees drawn up towards their chest. This left lateral decubitus position facilitates the advancement of the colonoscope through the colon and provides better visualization for the healthcare provider performing the procedure. Placing the patient on the right side would not provide optimal positioning and may hinder the progress of the colonoscopy.

Choice C rationale: The information provided in statement c. is incorrect regarding the dietary restrictions before a colonoscopy. Prior to the procedure, patients are instructed to follow a clear liquid diet for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the healthcare provider's instructions. Clear liquids include water, clear broth, tea, coffee without milk or cream, strained fruit juices (such as apple or white grape juice), and sports drinks. Solid foods, as well as liquids that are not transparent, should be avoided during this preparatory period to ensure adequate bowel cleansing and visualization during the colonoscopy.

Choice D rationale: The recommendation to warm the liquid bowel preparation before consumption, as stated in option d., is incorrect. Bowel preparations typically consist of polyethylene glycol-based solutions, which are intended to be consumed at room temperature or chilled. Warming the solution could alter its composition and taste, potentially causing discomfort or nausea in the patient. It is essential for patients to follow the specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider or the product labeling regarding the administration of bowel preparation to ensure effective bowel cleansing before the colonoscopy.

Choice E rationale: Repeated for emphasis, the advice to warm the liquid bowel preparation before consumption is incorrect and redundant. Patients should adhere strictly to the instructions provided by their healthcare provider or the product labeling regarding the administration of bowel preparation. Warming the solution is not recommended and could compromise the effectiveness of the preparation, leading to suboptimal bowel cleansing and potentially impacting the accuracy of the colonoscopy results.

The client should wear a mask during transport to prevent the spread of infectious droplets. The nurse should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the precautions required for the specific client, which in this case would be a mask. The nurse does not need to wear a gown as droplet precautions do not require the use of a gown during transport.

The correct answer is choice C, the client should wear a mask during transport.

Choice A rationale:

The client wearing a gown during transport is not typically necessary for droplet precautions unless there is a risk of the gown becoming contaminated with infectious material. Gowns are primarily used to protect the healthcare worker or other patients if there is direct contact with the patient.

Choice B rationale:

While the nurse should wear a mask if they will be within close proximity to the client, the primary concern in droplet precautions is to prevent the spread of infection from the client, who is the source of the droplets.

Choice C rationale:

The client should wear a mask during transport to contain respiratory secretions and minimize the risk of droplet spread, as droplets can be disseminated by coughing, sneezing, or talking. This is a key component of source control in droplet precautions.

Choice D rationale:

Similar to choice A, the nurse wearing a gown during transport is not a standard requirement for droplet precautions unless there is anticipated contact with the patient or their environment that might result in contamination.

In summary, the primary goal of droplet precautions is to prevent the spread of infections through large respiratory droplets that are expelled by the client. Therefore, having the client wear a mask is the most effective measure among the options provided to reduce the risk of transmission during transport.