A nurse is selecting clients for discharge due to a local external disaster. Which of the following clients should the nurse recommend for discharge?

A. A staff member places a midstream urine sample in a specimen refrigerator after collecting it: This action is appropriate as long as the specimen is labeled correctly and stored at the correct temperature. Proper handling of specimens is essential for accurate testing and does not represent an infection control hazard.

B. A staff member wipes a countertop with chlorhexidine solution to clean the area following a blood spill: This action is appropriate for cleaning a contaminated surface. Chlorhexidine is an effective disinfectant for blood spills. Therefore, this action does not represent an infection control hazard.

C. A nurse uses alcohol-based antiseptic to clean his hands after talking with a client who has varicella zoster: While alcohol-based antiseptics are effective for most pathogens, varicella zosteris primarily spread through direct contact and airborne transmission. It is recommended to wash hands with soap and water after caring for a patient with varicella zoster, especially if hands are visibly soiled. This action may not adequately control the infection hazard.

D. A nurse pours sterile 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation solution on an open pressure wound prior to collecting a specimen for culture: This action is appropriate as long as sterile technique is maintained. Using sterile saline for irrigation is standard practice to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens before specimen collection. Therefore, this action does not represent an infection control hazard.

A. The statement "You can resume sexual activity 2 days after you complete your antiviral treatment" is incorrect. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, and the standard treatment is with antibiotics, not antivirals. Additionally, the client should wait until they have completed the full course of antibiotics and have been re-evaluated by their healthcare provider before resuming sexual activity to prevent the spread of the infection.

B. The statement "Your sexual partners can receive a chlamydia vaccine to protect against infection" is incorrect. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there is no chlamydia vaccine available. Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics, and preventing transmission involves safe sexual practices and partner notification.

C. The statement "Chlamydia is an incurable infection that causes a thick, curd-like discharge" is incorrect. Chlamydia is a curable bacterial infection, and it may or may not cause symptoms. It does not typically cause a thick, curd-like discharge; that description is more characteristic of a yeast infection.

D. The statement "The law requires a report of each case of chlamydia to the local health department" is correct. Chlamydia is a notifiable disease, meaning healthcare providers are legally required to report cases to the local health department. This reporting is essential for public health surveillance, tracking the prevalence of the infection, and implementing measures to control its spread.