A nurse is caring for a patient who has herpes zoster and is inquiring about the use of complementary and alternative therapies.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the patient’s risk of developing plantar flexion contractures?

Choice A rationale: Implementing airborne precautions is not necessary in this case. The client’s symptoms and the progression of their condition suggest a severe respiratory infection, possibly pneumonia, but there is no indication that the infection is airborne.

Airborne precautions are typically reserved for diseases that are spread through tiny droplets in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox.

Choice B rationale: The client’s worsening respiratory distress, evidenced by increased shortness of breath, use of accessory muscles for breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and changes in sputum, indicate that the client may require intubation and mechanical ventilation. This would ensure that the client’s airway remains open and that they receive adequate oxygen.

Choice C rationale: The client has a history of well-managed diabetes mellitus. Given the stress of the illness and the initiation of corticosteroid therapy (which can raise blood glucose levels), it would be important to monitor the client’s blood glucose levels frequently.

Choice D rationale: The client has been prescribed Levofloxacin, an antibiotic, which should be administered as prescribed. Given the client’s symptoms and the progression of their condition, it is likely that they have a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are critical for treating bacterial infections.

Choice E rationale: Ensuring strict hand hygiene before and after client contact is a standard precaution in all healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infection.

Choice F rationale: Increasing fluid intake can help thin out the sputum, making it easier for the client to cough it up. This can help improve the client’s respiratory function.

Choice G rationale: There is no current indication for a chest tube insertion. While the client’s chest X-ray shows extensive consolidation and possible pleural effusion, the notes do not indicate that the effusion is large enough to require drainage at this time. A chest tube would be considered if the effusion was large and causing significant respiratory distress, which is not clearly the case here.

Choice A rationale

Inserting the catheter at a 45-degree angle is not recommended for an older adult client with fragile skin. A lower angle of insertion is usually more appropriate.

Choice B rationale

Positioning the client’s arm in a dependent position can help engorge the veins, making it easier to insert the IV catheter.

Choice C rationale

Removing excess hair from the insertion site is not the first action the nurse should take. While it’s important to have a clean and clear insertion site, positioning the client’s arm correctly is a more immediate concern.

Choice D rationale

Initiating IV therapy in the veins of the hand is not the first action the nurse should take. While the veins of the hand can be used for IV insertion, positioning the client’s arm correctly is a more immediate concern.