A nurse is collecting data from a child who is 1 hr postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

A. Review the need for the indwelling urinary catheter daily: Daily review of catheter necessity reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prompt removal when no longer needed limits bacterial entry and colonization, which significantly lowers infection rates in hospitalized clients.

B. Empty the drainage bag when it is half full: The drainage bag should be emptied when it is about two-thirds full, not half full, to prevent backflow and reduce strain on the system. Emptying too early or too often increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the closed system.

C. Use soap and water to provide perineal care: Using soap and water for perineal hygiene maintains cleanliness and reduces bacterial colonization near the catheter site. Routine perineal care is a critical intervention to minimize the risk of ascending infections into the urinary tract.

D. Place the drainage bag on the bed when transporting the client: The drainage bag must remain below bladder level during transport to prevent backflow of urine into the bladder. Placing the bag on the bed risks contamination and promotes reflux of potentially infected urine.

E. Encourage the client to drink 1000 mL of fluid daily: Although hydration generally helps prevent UTIs, this client is on a strict 1000 mL fluid restriction due to heart failure. Encouraging more fluid intake could worsen fluid overload and does not align with current prescribed therapy.

F. Change the indwelling urinary catheter tubing every 3 days: Routine changing of catheter tubing is not recommended unless clinically indicated (e.g., contamination, obstruction, infection). Unnecessary manipulation increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary system.

A. A client who requires sterile dressing changes every three hours: Sterile dressing changes require skilled nursing care and must be performed by a licensed nurse. An assistive personnel (AP) is not trained or authorized to perform sterile procedures, making this assignment inappropriate.

B. A client who has a small bowel obstruction and requires insertion of a nasogastric tube: Inserting a nasogastric tube is an invasive procedure that requires clinical judgment and proper technique, which are responsibilities of licensed nursing staff, not assistive personnel.

C. A client who is postoperative and requires intake and output measurement every 2 hr: Measuring and recording intake and output is within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. It is a routine, noninvasive task that does not require nursing assessment or judgment.

D. A client on hospice who is unstable and requires frequent vital sign checks: An unstable hospice client requires close monitoring and clinical assessment. Although assistive personnel can measure vital signs, evaluating changes and determining their significance must be done by licensed nursing staff.