A nurse is performing a family assessment for a client who has recently developed paraplegia following a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Wear an N95 mask when caring for the client: An N95 mask is necessary for airborne infections such as tuberculosis or measles. Pneumonia caused by typical bacteria or viruses is spread by droplets, so a surgical mask is sufficient, not an N95.

B. Place the client in a private room: Clients with pneumonia should be placed in a private room to prevent transmission of infectious droplets to others, especially those who are immunocompromised or at higher risk for respiratory infections.

C. Place the client on droplet isolation precautions: Pneumonia spreads through large respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Droplet precautions include wearing a surgical mask within 3 feet of the client and limiting close contact exposure.

D. Assign client to a negative air pressure room: A negative air pressure room is required for airborne precautions, not droplet infections like pneumonia. It is unnecessary and would reserve specialized rooms for conditions requiring them.

E. Ensure the client wears a mask when outside their room: Having the client wear a surgical mask while leaving the room helps contain respiratory secretions and prevents droplet transmission to others in hallways or procedure areas.

A. A client who needs assistance when ambulating: Difficulty ambulating increases fall risk and requires physical therapy, but it is not immediately life-threatening. This client needs support but does not take priority over airway or aspiration concerns.

B. A client who consistently has difficulty using utensils while eating: This reflects impaired motor coordination and may require occupational therapy. While important for independence, it does not present an urgent safety or health threat.

C. A client who has expressive aphasia: Expressive aphasia affects communication but does not compromise airway or physical safety directly. Speech therapy is beneficial, but it is not the most urgent referral.

D. A client who consistently coughs after drinking liquids: Coughing after drinking indicates possible aspiration due to impaired swallowing reflex. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia and respiratory compromise, making this client the highest priority for immediate referral to a speech-language pathologist for swallowing evaluation.