A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who has a new sigmoid colostomy. Which of the following comments by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. Gloves: Gloves are important for contact precautions but are not sufficient protection against airborne infections like tuberculosis. Tuberculosis spreads through respiratory droplets that remain suspended in the air, requiring specialized respiratory protection.

B. Gown: A gown is generally used when there is a risk of direct contact with infectious material. While gowns are important for many isolation precautions, they do not protect against airborne transmission of tuberculosis.

C. Dosimeter badge: A dosimeter badge measures exposure to radiation, not infectious agents. It is used in environments with radiologic procedures and is unrelated to protecting against infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

D. N95 respirator: An N95 respirator is specifically designed to filter airborne particles, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It fits tightly around the face and provides the necessary protection against inhaling infectious airborne pathogens in the client’s environment.

• alcohol intoxication: Although the client consumed one beer, this small amount is unlikely to cause unresponsiveness, respiratory depression, or the need for naloxone administration. Alcohol intoxication alone does not explain the profound sedation and pinpoint pupils observed.
• alcohol withdrawal: Alcohol withdrawal typically presents with signs like agitation, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures, not sedation, miosis, and depressed respiratory drive. The client’s symptoms are inconsistent with alcohol withdrawal.
• hallucinogen intoxication: Hallucinogen use usually leads to agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, and dilated pupils (mydriasis), not the sedated state, respiratory depression, and miotic pupils that this client is exhibiting.
• opioid intoxication: The client's unresponsiveness, respiratory depression, and pinpoint pupils, combined with a positive response to naloxone, are classic indicators of opioid intoxication. These findings directly align with the expected effects of opioid overdose.
• opioid withdrawal: Opioid withdrawal presents with signs like agitation, mydriasis, diarrhea, piloerection, and flu-like symptoms. The client’s current state of sedation and miotic pupils contradicts what would be seen during opioid withdrawal.
• amount of alcohol consumed: The small amount of alcohol (one beer) does not correlate with the severity of the client’s clinical presentation. Thus, alcohol consumption is not the primary factor contributing to the current state.
• breath sounds: Breath sounds are clear and equal bilaterally, indicating that the lungs are not the source of the client's critical condition. There is no evidence of respiratory infection or pulmonary complications.
• abdominal findings: Decreased bowel sounds are common in opioid intoxication due to decreased gastrointestinal motility. However, while supportive, this finding is less definitive than the hallmark sign of pupil constriction.
• pupil characteristics: The presence of pinpoint pupils (miosis) is a hallmark sign of opioid intoxication. Miotic pupils, especially in an unresponsive client who improved after naloxone, strongly support opioid overdose as the primary diagnosis.
• current temperature: The client's temperature is within normal limits, providing no significant diagnostic clue toward explaining the cause of unresponsiveness or respiratory depression.