A nurse is instructing a male client about a semen analysis to be done for suspected infertility.

Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

Choice A rationale
The nurse’s action of providing everyone with a copy of the latest research on improving the success of breastfeeding for first-time mothers aligns with the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competency of Evidence-based Practice. This competency emphasizes the use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients or the delivery of health services. By sharing the latest research, the nurse is ensuring that the care conference is informed by the most recent and relevant evidence, thereby enhancing the quality of the discussions and decisions made. This is a key aspect of evidence-based practice, which seeks to integrate clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research.
Choice B rationale
While Teamwork and Collaboration is indeed a QSEN competency, it does not specifically pertain to the use of research in improving patient outcomes. This competency primarily involves functioning effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care. Although the nurse’s action of sharing research could be seen as contributing to teamwork and collaboration, it is more directly related to the competency of Evidence-based Practice.
Choice C rationale
Quality Improvement is another important QSEN competency, but it does not directly relate to the nurse’s action in this scenario. This competency involves using data to monitor the outcomes of care processes, and using improvement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality and safety of healthcare systems. While the use of research can certainly contribute to quality improvement, the nurse’s action of sharing research on breastfeeding is more directly tied to the Evidence-based Practice competency.

Choice A rationale
Douching is not recommended as it can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and can lead to infections. Therefore, it is unlikely that a healthcare provider would prescribe this as a treatment for vaginal itching and discharge.
Choice B rationale
While avoiding alcohol for 72 hours after treatment is a common instruction when taking certain medications, it does not address the client’s symptoms of vaginal itching and discharge.
Choice C rationale
An oatmeal sitz bath can help soothe irritated skin, but it does not treat the underlying cause of vaginal itching and discharge.
Choice D rationale
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis, a condition that can cause vaginal itching and discharge. Therefore, it is likely that the healthcare provider would prescribe this medication.
Choice E rationale
While it is important for sexual partners to be treated if a sexually transmitted infection is diagnosed, the client’s symptoms and medical record information provided do not indicate a sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate.