A nurse is preparing to apply personal protective equipment before caring for a client who requires isolation precautions. Identify the sequence in which the nurse should perform the following steps. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.) (ORDERED RESPONSE)

A. Administer an antibiotic: There is no indication of infection; WBC count is normal, and the client is afebrile. The reported symptoms relate to lifestyle and substance use rather than a bacterial illness, making antibiotics unnecessary.

B. Limit alcohol intake to 2 drinks per day: The client uses 4–5 beers nightly to sleep, indicating alcohol misuse that can exacerbate hypertension and negatively impact sleep quality. Limiting intake supports cardiovascular and liver health, and aligns with public health recommendations.

C. Limit foods high in potassium: The client’s potassium level is within the normal range (3.7 mEq/L), and there is no evidence of kidney dysfunction or hyperkalemia. Restricting potassium is unwarranted and could risk deficiency.

D. Administer a diuretic: The client has elevated blood pressure (162/90 mm Hg), which may require pharmacologic intervention. Diuretics are a common first-line treatment for hypertension as they reduce fluid overload and vascular resistance.

E. Keep daily fat intake to less than 35%: The client’s LDL (210 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (248 mg/dL) levels are significantly elevated. Reducing total fat intake, particularly saturated fats, is essential for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.

F. Place on 2,300 mg sodium diet: A sodium-restricted diet is standard for managing hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to help control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular complications.

A. Decrease background noise: Reducing ambient noise helps clients with hearing loss focus better on the speaker’s voice, minimizing distractions and enhancing their ability to interpret sounds or speech through residual hearing or lip-reading.

B. Speak in a loud voice: Speaking loudly can distort speech sounds and facial expressions, making it harder for clients to understand. It’s more effective to speak clearly at a moderate pace and volume.

C. Use short phrases: While shorter phrases might seem easier to process, effective communication often depends on clear context and full sentences. Using natural language helps convey meaning more accurately.

D. Talk at a rapid rate: Rapid speech can be difficult for individuals with hearing loss to follow, especially if they rely on lip-reading. Slower, clearer speech improves understanding and facilitates better communication.