A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about caring for a client who has a history of dysphagia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Communicate with personnel about the need for prophylaxis" is incorrect. While it is important to consider prophylaxis for those who may have been exposed to tuberculosis, the first priority is to minimize the risk of transmission from the client to others.

B. "Place a mask on the client" is correct. Placing a mask on the client is the first step in preventing the spread of tuberculosis. This helps contain respiratory droplets that could transmit the bacteria to others.

C. "Contact those who live with the client" is incorrect. While it is important to contact close contacts to assess their risk, this action comes after implementing infection control measures, such as placing a mask on the client.

D. "Notify the local health department" is incorrect. While the health department must be notified about a tuberculosis diagnosis, the immediate priority is to protect others from exposure by masking the client and using appropriate isolation precautions.

A. Give a dose of alendronate is incorrect. Alendronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and it does not address low potassium levels. In this case, the focus should be on correcting the potassium imbalance.

B. Administer furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause further loss of potassium. In a client with low potassium levels (hypokalemia., administering furosemide could worsen the condition and lead to life-threatening complications.

C. Apply a cardiac monitor is correct. Hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L) can cause significant cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Applying a cardiac monitor is essential for monitoring the client’s heart rhythm and detecting any abnormalities related to the low potassium level.

D. Monitor for Chvostek's sign is incorrect. Chvostek's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. While both hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, monitoring for Chvostek’s sign is not a priority in the management of hypokalemia.