A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following blood gas values should the nurse expect?

A) "For a client who has Clostridium difficile, I will cleanse my hands with an alcohol-based rub.":
This statement is incorrect. When caring for a client with Clostridium difficile (C. diff), hand hygiene must be performed using soap and water, not an alcohol-based rub. Alcohol does not effectively kill C. diff spores. Handwashing with soap and water is essential to reduce the spread of this infection, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. diff spores.

B) "Droplet precautions require that I wear a gown and gloves when providing client care.":
This statement is incorrect. Droplet precautions require wearing a surgical mask to protect against large respiratory droplets that may be expelled during coughing or sneezing. Gowns and gloves are not routinely necessary unless there is a risk of contact with body fluids or secretions. Contact precautions, not droplet precautions, would require a gown and gloves.

C) "Following a blood spill, I should use a bleach solution with a ratio of 1 to 20.":
This statement is partially correct but not fully optimal. For blood spills, the correct bleach solution ratio for disinfection is typically 1 part bleach to 9 parts water (a 1:10 ratio) rather than 1:20. The bleach solution must be strong enough to effectively kill pathogens and viruses, so a 1:9 dilution is preferred.

D) "Soiled dressings should be placed in a biohazard trash receptacle.":
This statement is correct. Soiled dressings, particularly those that are contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or pathogens, should always be disposed of in a biohazard trash receptacle. This ensures the safe and appropriate handling of potentially infectious materials and helps prevent the spread of infection.

The nurse anticipates the client will likely require blood transfusion as evidenced by the client’s low hemoglobin and low hematocrit.

Rationale:

(i)

B. Blood transfusion: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly low, suggesting anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss. A blood transfusion may be necessary to restore adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and prevent further hemodynamic instability.

(ii)

C. Low hemoglobin: A hemoglobin level below normal indicates blood loss, likely from a bleeding peptic ulcer. This finding supports the need for intervention to prevent further complications such as hypoxia or shock.

F. Low hematocrit: A low hematocrit confirms anemia and blood volume depletion. This finding, along with the client's symptoms and history of dark, tarry stools, further supports the need for a blood transfusion.

Incorrect:

(i)

A. Proton pump inhibitor therapy: While PPIs are essential for ulcer management, they do not immediately address acute blood loss

C. Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics are needed to eradicate H. pylori, but they are not the primary intervention for anemia.

D. Surgical intervention: Surgery is considered only if bleeding is severe and refractory to medical management.

E. Intravenous fluid resuscitation: IV fluids can help stabilize blood pressure but do not directly correct anemia.

(ii)

A. Elevated white blood cell count: The client’s WBC count is normal, making it irrelevant to this scenario.

B. Positive H. pylori test: While H. pylori is the likely cause of the ulcer, this result does not directly indicate the need for a blood transfusion.

D. Epigastric tenderness: This is a symptom of peptic ulcer disease but does not directly relate to the need for a blood transfusion.

E. Dark, tarry stools: While indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, the direct lab evidence of anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit) is more critical in determining the need for transfusion.