A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about self-administration of ophthalmic drops. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choice B. Remove the cover gown in the client’s room after providing care. This is because Clostridium difficile spores are not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand rubs and can survive on surfaces for a long time. Removing the gown in the client’s room helps to contain any spores that may have settled on the gown, preventing them from being spread to other areas.

Choice A rationale:

Cleaning hands with an alcohol-based hand rub immediately after removing gloves is wrong because C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand rubs. The recommended practice is thorough handwashing with soap and water to physically remove the spores from the hands.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the client in a room with negative-pressure airflow is wrong because this measure is used for airborne infections, such as tuberculosis. C. difficile is spread via the fecal-oral route, primarily through contact with contaminated surfaces or hands, not through the air.

Choice D rationale:

Wearing a mask when administering oral medications to the client is wrong because C. difficile is not spread through respiratory droplets. Masks are not necessary unless there is a risk of splash or spray of contaminated material.

The correct answer is **d. Attach a humidifier to the base of the flow meter**.

Choice A rationale:

Keeping the side holes of the mask closed would restrict airflow and prevent the client from receiving the prescribed oxygen concentration. This action would be unsafe and should not be taken.

Choice B rationale:

Ensuring the reservoir bag is inflated on expiration is not necessary for a simple face mask. The reservoir bag is typically used with other oxygen delivery devices, such as a non-rebreather mask, to provide a higher concentration of oxygen. This action is not appropriate for the given scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Applying petroleum jelly to the client's nostrils is not a recommended action. Petroleum jelly can potentially cause irritation and dryness, which could lead to discomfort for the client. This action is not necessary for the safe administration of oxygen.

Choice D rationale:

Attaching a humidifier to the base of the flow meter is the appropriate action to ensure client safety. Humidifying the oxygen can help prevent drying of the client's airway and make the oxygen more comfortable to breathe. This is a recommended step when administering high-flow oxygen via a simple face mask.