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:
A. Fever: While fever may occur in pericarditis due to inflammation or infection, it is not specific to cardiac tamponade. It reflects a systemic inflammatory response rather than a mechanical complication like fluid accumulation compressing the heart.

B. Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation may develop in some cardiac conditions, including pericarditis, but it is not a hallmark feature of cardiac tamponade. It does not directly reflect the hemodynamic compromise seen with tamponade.

C. Paradoxical pulse: Paradoxical pulse (pulsus paradoxus) is a key sign of cardiac tamponade. It refers to an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, caused by restricted ventricular filling from fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, leading to reduced cardiac output.

D. Pericardial friction rub: A pericardial friction rub is a classic finding in acute pericarditis due to inflamed pericardial surfaces rubbing together, but it is not typically heard in cardiac tamponade, where fluid accumulation muffles heart sounds.

Rationale:
A. Place monitoring cords and tubes in a stockinette: Clients with latex allergies are at risk for serious reactions from contact with latex-containing equipment. Covering cords and tubing with a stockinette helps prevent direct skin exposure to latex, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction.

B. Schedule the client for the last surgery of the day: Clients with latex allergies should be scheduled as the first surgery of the day to minimize their exposure to airborne latex particles and reduce contamination from previously used equipment or surfaces.

C. Choose rubber injection ports for fluid administration: Rubber injection ports often contain latex, which can trigger severe allergic reactions. For clients with latex allergies, non-latex or latex-free alternatives must be used for all fluid and medication administration.

D. Have phenytoin IV readily available: Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant used to manage seizures and is not specifically indicated for treating allergic reactions. Epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids should be available in case of an anaphylactic reaction.