A nurse is caring for a group of clients. For which of the following tasks should the nurse plan to wear protective eye equipment?

The correct answer is: a. Edema.

Choice A: Edema

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. It is a common sign of inflammation and infection. When a wound becomes infected, the body’s immune response can cause increased fluid accumulation in the affected area, leading to noticeable swelling. This swelling is often accompanied by redness, warmth, and pain, which are classic signs of infection.

Choice B: Petechiae

Petechiae are small, red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin. They are not typically associated with wound infections but rather with conditions that cause bleeding or clotting disorders. Petechiae do not indicate an infection but rather a different underlying issue that may require further investigation.

Choice C: Urticaria

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts. It is usually a result of an allergic reaction and is not a sign of wound infection. Urticaria is characterized by raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin and does not typically occur in response to an infected wound.

Choice D: Crusting over granulated tissue

Crusting over granulated tissue is a normal part of the wound healing process. Granulation tissue forms as the wound heals, and a crust or scab may develop over it to protect the new tissue underneath. This is not an indication of infection but rather a sign that the wound is progressing through the healing stages.

Choice A reason: While providing a newborn's first bath, there is minimal risk of exposure to infectious fluids that would necessitate eye protection. However, standard precautions should always be followed.

Choice B reason: When giving personal care to an infant who is HIV-positive, standard precautions should be followed, which includes wearing gloves. Eye protection is not typically required unless there is a risk of splashing bodily fluids.

Choice C reason: Suctioning secretions from a child's newly placed tracheostomy tube requires eye protection because there is a high risk of secretions being expelled forcefully, which could contact the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Choice D reason: Withdrawing cord blood from a neonate generally does not require eye protection unless there is a risk of blood splatter. Standard precautions, including the use of gloves, should be sufficient.

Choice E reason: Transporting a cerebrospinal fluid specimen to the laboratory does not require the nurse to wear eye protection. However, the nurse should ensure that the specimen is sealed properly to prevent any leaks.