A nurse is caring for a group of clients who have substance use disorder. Which of the following strategies should the nurse suggest for maintaining long-term abstinence?

A. Refer the clients for financial assistance to receive medications: While financial support is important for accessing treatment, it is not the immediate priority during an active outbreak. The nurse must first assess the scope and potential cause of the diarrhea to prevent further spread and guide appropriate interventions.

B. Arrange for the clients to see a health care provider: Medical evaluation is essential, especially if symptoms worsen or complications arise. However, this step should follow a thorough assessment of exposure to identify patterns, potential sources, and the need for urgent containment or broader screening efforts.

C. Provide teaching about hand washing for the clients: Hand hygiene is critical in preventing the transmission of infectious diarrhea. However, client education should come after identifying the exposure route to ensure teaching is targeted and effective in addressing the specific mode of transmission.

D. Obtain an individual client exposure history: The nurse’s first priority should be to gather detailed information about each client's symptoms, recent meals, travel, and contacts. This assessment helps identify common exposures, guides immediate containment efforts, and directs appropriate medical or public health responses to control a potential outbreak.

A. A red light kept on in the bedroom at night can provide low-level illumination that helps prevent falls during nighttime bathroom trips. This is generally considered a safe practice and can improve visibility without disrupting sleep significantly.

B. Carpeted floors provide a softer surface that can reduce the risk of injury from falls, especially for older adults. Carpet also helps prevent slipping compared to hard, smooth floors, making it a positive safety feature in the home.

C. A water heater set at 54.4° C (130° F) poses a scalding risk, especially for older adults or clients with decreased sensation. The recommended safe temperature to prevent burns is 49° C (120° F) or lower. The nurse should recommend lowering the temperature to reduce injury risk.

D. A rubber-backed bath mat outside the shower increases traction on wet floors and helps prevent slipping. This is an important safety measure in bathrooms, which are common sites for falls.

E. An extension cord stretched across the floor creates a significant tripping hazard. The nurse should recommend removing or repositioning the cord to eliminate this risk and improve home safety.