A nurse is caring for a newly admitted older adult client.

Nurses' Notes

Day 1, 12:00:

Transferred to the medical-surgical unit from the emergency department (ED) for continued care following a closed reduction and immobilization of a fracture of the right arm. Accompanied by an adult child.

Client in visibly soiled night clothes with multiple stains, including what appears to be dried blood. Hair, teeth, and fingernails unclean. Strong body odor noted. Bruising of various stages noted around upper arms, back, shoulders, and neck area.

The client is soft-spoken, speaks almost in a whisper, and does not make eye contact with the nurse.

The client looks at their child before answering the nurse's questions and, when asked how the injury occurred, mumbles "I don't know. Ask them." The client's child states, "He gets confused sometimes. I can answer your questions."

Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend to include in the client's plan of care?

Select all that apply.

The correct answer is: a. Clean the stoma using an inward to outward circular motion.

Title: Choice A reason: Cleaning the stoma with an inward to outward circular motion is a recommended practice to prevent infection and ensure that any debris or secretions are cleared away from the tracheostomy site. This method helps to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens directly into the stoma and is considered a best practice in tracheostomy care.

Title: Choice B reason: Cleansing the inner cannula with isopropyl alcohol is not recommended because it can cause irritation to the tracheal mucosa. Instead, sterile saline is typically used for cleaning the inner cannula to avoid any potential damage to the tracheal tissues and to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for the patient.

Title: Choice C reason: Ensuring at least three finger widths of space under tracheostomy ties is not the standard practice. The recommended space is to allow one to two finger widths under the tracheostomy ties to ensure they are secure but not too tight, which could lead to skin breakdown or discomfort for the patient.

Title: Choice D reason: Preparing sterile supplies should be done before removing the inner cannula, not after. This is to ensure that all necessary supplies are ready to use immediately after the inner cannula is removed, minimizing the time the stoma is open and reducing the risk of infection.

Varicella zoster, also known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious viral infection that can be spread through contact with respiratory secretions or fluid from the vesicular rash.

Contact precautions include wearing gloves and gown when in contact with the client or any potentially contaminated surfaces or materials, and isolating the client in a private room if possible.

Assigning the client to a negative pressure airflow room is not necessary unless the client has a compromised immune system or is experiencing severe respiratory symptoms.

Having visitors remain at least 0.91 m (3 feet) away from the client is not sufficient to prevent the spread of the virus.

Administering aspirin to a client with varicella zoster is contraindicated because it can increase the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.