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

Choice A reason: Placing a client with active pulmonary TB in a room with positive airflow is not recommended, as positive airflow would push potentially contaminated air into general circulation, risking the spread of TB. Instead, a room with negative airflow is appropriate to contain and remove contaminated air.

Choice B reason: Determining whether the client lives alone or with others is important for public health and contact tracing purposes. If the client lives with others, those individuals may need to be tested and monitored for TB as well.

Choice C reason: Using an alcohol-based hand cleaner is a standard practice unless hands are visibly soiled. If hands are visibly soiled, handwashing with soap and water is necessary.

Choice D reason: Reminding the client to cover their mouth with a tissue when coughing is a key measure to prevent the spread of TB, which is transmitted through airborne particles from coughs or sneezes.

Choice E reason: Antifungal medications are not used to treat TB, which is caused by a bacterium, not a fungus. The client should be instructed about taking anti-tuberculosis medications, not antifungals.

The correct answer is c. Asking the client to rate the pain. This is the most direct and reliable method to determine the effectiveness of a cold compress for pain relief.

Choice A Reason:

Having the client perform range-of-motion exercises of the arm: This statement is incorrect because it assesses mobility rather than pain or swelling. Range-of-motion exercises are typically used to evaluate joint flexibility and muscle strength, not the effectiveness of pain relief measures.

Choice B Reason:

Inspecting the site for reduced swelling: This statement is incorrect because, while it checks for swelling, it does not directly measure pain relief. Swelling reduction can be an indicator of decreased inflammation, but it does not provide a direct assessment of the client's pain levels.

Choice C Reason:

Asking the client to rate the pain: This is the correct choice because it directly measures the client's perception of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the most accurate way to assess it is by asking the client to describe or rate their pain. This method allows the nurse to gauge the effectiveness of the cold compress in providing pain relief.

Choice D Reason:

Monitoring the client's pulse rate: This statement is incorrect because pulse rate is not a direct indicator of pain or swelling reduction. While pain can sometimes cause an increase in pulse rate, it is not a reliable or specific measure of pain relief. Pulse rate can be influenced by various factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical activity.