A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative.

Exhibits

Which of the following factors could present a barrier to the nurse effectively communicating with the client? Select all that apply.

• Client's hearing deficit: The client’s hearing loss poses a significant barrier to effective communication. Without a hearing aid, the client may have difficulty understanding verbal communication, leading to misunderstandings.

• Volume of the client's television: A loud television creates distracting background noise, making it challenging for the nurse to communicate clearly. This can hinder the client's ability to hear and comprehend important information during interactions.

• Numerous visitors in the client's room: Having multiple visitors can create distractions and noise, making it difficult for the nurse to effectively communicate with the client. Visitors may also divert the client’s attention, impacting their ability to engage in discussions with the nurse.

• Increase in pain after ambulation: The reported increase in pain can affect the client’s focus and engagement in communication. When experiencing pain, the client may find it challenging to concentrate on conversations, which impacts the overall effectiveness of communication with the nurse.

• Adverse effects of opioid analgesic: While not explicitly mentioned in the initial scenario, opioid analgesics can cause side effects such as sedation and confusion, which may impair the client’s ability to communicate effectively. This could lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication.

• Using earphones while listening to music: This factor, if present, would create a barrier to communication, as it would prevent the client from hearing the nurse's questions or instructions. However, it was not explicitly stated in the scenario.

A. Wear sterile gloves: Sterile gloves are not necessary for checking a pulse. Sterile gloves are typically used for procedures that involve direct contact with sterile areas or instruments. Checking a pulse does not require maintaining a sterile field, so clean gloves are sufficient.

B. Wear an N95 respirator mask: An N95 respirator mask is typically required for airborne precautions, such as those used for tuberculosis, but not for MRSA. MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected wounds or contaminated surfaces, so an N95 mask is not needed for this situation.

C. Wear clean gloves: Wearing clean gloves is the appropriate action when interacting with a client who has MRSA. This helps to prevent the transmission of bacteria and protects both the client and the nurse. Clean gloves should be used for any contact with the client or their environment to minimize the risk of spreading infection.

D. Wear protective eyewear: Protective eyewear is generally used when there is a risk of splashes or sprays of bodily fluids. In this scenario, unless there is a specific risk of such exposure during the pulse check, protective eyewear is not necessary. Clean gloves are the primary requirement for basic contact precautions with MRSA.