A nurse is monitoring a postoperative client who is unable to respond to questions. Which of the following nonverbal behaviors should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is experiencing pain? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Droplet precautions are necessary when dealing with infectious agents that are spread through large droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking. However, leukemia itself is not an infectious disease but a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. Therefore, droplet precautions are not typically required for leukemia patients unless they have a concurrent infection that warrants such measures.

Choice B reason: A protective environment refers to room designs that minimize the risk of infection in immunocompromised patients, such as those with leukemia. This includes HEPA filtration, positive air pressure rooms, and rigorous infection control practices. Given that patients with leukemia have compromised immune systems, a protective environment is crucial to protect them from infections, which can be life-threatening due to their reduced ability to fight off diseases.

Choice C reason: Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled by others. Diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox require airborne precautions. Leukemia does not require airborne precautions unless the patient has a coexisting airborne infection.

Choice D reason: Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by direct contact with the patient or the patient's environment. While leukemia patients may be more susceptible to infections due to their compromised immune systems, contact precautions are not specifically required for leukemia itself but may be necessary if the patient has a concurrent contact-transmissible infection.

Choice A reason: Urinary catheterization is a well-known risk factor for HAIs, particularly catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The use of indwelling urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and is associated with a significant proportion of HAIs.

Choice B reason: While malnutrition can affect the immune system and increase the risk of infections, it is not a direct cause of HAIs. Good nutritional status is important for wound healing and infection prevention, but it does not cause HAIs by itself.

Choice C reason: Having multiple caregivers can increase the risk of transmitting infections, especially if hand hygiene and other infection control practices are not consistently followed. However, it is not considered a direct cause of HAIs like urinary catheterization is.

Choice D reason: Chlorhexidine washes are actually used as a preventive measure against HAIs, particularly in reducing the risk of surgical site infections. They are not a cause of HAIs but rather part of the solution to prevent them.