A nurse is completing an admission assessment for a client who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following personal protective equipment should the nurse use while caring for the client?

Rationale:

• Place the client on bedrest: Bedrest is necessary after PCI to reduce the risk of bleeding at the catheter insertion site, typically in the femoral artery. The client must remain flat with the leg extended for several hours to allow vessel healing.
• Administer vitamin K: Vitamin K is not routinely given after PCI. It is used to reverse warfarin-induced anticoagulation, not to manage post-procedure care in stable clients unless there is a specific bleeding disorder or elevated INR.
• Check pedal pulses: Assessing distal circulation is essential to monitor for complications like arterial occlusion or hematoma formation. Diminished pulses may indicate compromised blood flow due to thrombus or arterial damage.
• Apply pressure to the insertion site: Manual pressure is applied immediately after sheath removal to prevent bleeding. Continuous monitoring of the site for swelling, bleeding, or hematoma is a standard post-PCI nursing responsibility.
• Elevate the operative leg: Elevating the leg can increase the risk of bleeding by disturbing the clot at the insertion site. The leg should remain flat and immobilized to promote hemostasis and prevent complications.

Rationale:
A. Verify the alarm settings on the ventilator: Ensuring alarms are properly set is a routine safety check but does not directly address the client's agitation or risk of self-extubation. It is important but not the priority action in this scenario.

B. Turn on the television: Providing distraction may help reduce mild anxiety but is insufficient for managing significant agitation in a mechanically ventilated client who may become dangerous to themselves if they pull out the endotracheal tube.

C. Obtain a prescription for a vest restraint: Physical restraints should be a last resort after attempting less restrictive methods. Using restraints without addressing the underlying cause of agitation (e.g., discomfort, anxiety, pain) can increase distress and injury risk.

D. Administer a sedative medication: Sedation is appropriate for a mechanically ventilated client who is agitated and at risk for self-extubation. Sedatives help ensure patient comfort, reduce anxiety, and promote ventilator synchrony while protecting the airway.