A nurse is caring for a male client who has a spinal cord injury.
Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when providing perineal care?

The correct answer is Choice B: "When using implanted contraceptive methods, condoms should also be used to protect against STDs."

Choice B rationale: While implanted contraceptive methods are highly effective in preventing unintended pregnancies, they do not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, using condoms in conjunction with implanted contraceptives can enhance overall sexual health by reducing the risk of contracting or transmitting STDs. This statement highlights the nurse's understanding of the importance of comprehensive sexual health practices and the limitations of various contraceptive methods.

Choice A rationale: The use of petroleum-based lubricants with condoms can actually compromise their effectiveness. Petroleum-based lubricants can degrade latex condoms, increasing the likelihood of condom breakage or slippage, which in turn raises the risk of both pregnancy and STD transmission.

Choice C rationale: Condoms are indeed effective in preventing pregnancy, but their effectiveness can be enhanced by using them in conjunction with vaginal spermicides. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can provide additional protection by inactivating or killing sperm, thus reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Choice D rationale: Ensuring a proper fit is crucial for a condom's effectiveness, but the statement only emphasizes the condom fitting snugly over the tip of the penis. For optimal protection, a condom should be unrolled to cover the entire erect penis, leaving a small empty space at the tip for semen collection. A condom that is not unrolled completely may be more likely to slip off or break during intercourse.

The correct answer is choice b. “I will hang a new bag of TPN and IV tubing every 24 hours.”

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the client’s blood glucose level every 8 hours is important, but it is not the best indicator of understanding the TPN procedure. Blood glucose levels should be monitored regularly, but the frequency can vary based on the client’s condition and physician’s orders.

Choice B rationale:

Hanging a new bag of TPN and IV tubing every 24 hours is correct. This practice helps prevent infection and ensures the client receives the correct formulation of nutrients.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing the rate of the TPN infusion to ensure the correct amount is given is incorrect. The rate of TPN infusion should be strictly controlled and adjusted only by a physician’s order to prevent complications such as hyperglycemia or fluid overload.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining the client’s weight every other day is important for monitoring nutritional status, but it does not directly indicate an understanding of the TPN procedure. Daily weights are often recommended to closely monitor the client’s response to TPN.