A nurse is preparing to administer an oral opioid analgesic to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when handling an unused portion of the medication after administration?

Choice A rationale:

When leaving a client's isolation room, the nurse should remove gloves (Choice A) first. Gloves are considered contaminated and can harbor microorganisms. Removing them first helps prevent the spread of potential pathogens to other surfaces or items while removing other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Choice B rationale:

Goggles (Choice B) protect the eyes from splashes and airborne particles. However, they should be removed after gloves. Gloves have a higher potential for contamination due to direct contact with the client and the environment.

Choice C rationale:

Removing the gown (Choice C) should follow the removal of gloves and goggles. The gown provides a barrier against potential contaminants and should be taken off to prevent self-contamination while disrobing from other PPE.

Choice D rationale:

The mask (Choice D) should be removed last. It provides respiratory protection and prevents the nurse from inhaling airborne particles. Keeping the mask on while removing other PPE items helps maintain a barrier against potential exposure to respiratory pathogens.

Choice A rationale:

Positioning the client so that they are lying flat (Choice A) is not the appropriate action after evisceration. Evisceration is the protrusion of internal organs through a wound, and lying flat could potentially put pressure on the exposed organs and worsen the situation.

Choice B rationale:

Increasing the client's oral fluid intake (Choice B) is generally a good practice for postoperative care, but it is not the priority in the case of evisceration. The primary concern is protecting the exposed organs and preventing infection.

Choice C rationale:

Preparing the client for emergency surgery (Choice C) is the correct action after observing evisceration. Evisceration is a surgical emergency, and the client needs immediate medical intervention to repair the wound and secure the exposed organs.

Choice D rationale:

Applying gentle pressure to the dressed wound (Choice D) is contraindicated in the case of evisceration. Applying pressure could further damage the exposed organs and increase the risk of infection.