A nurse manager is discussing critical pathway use during a staff meeting. Which of the following information should the nurse manager include as an outcome of critical pathway use?

Choice A reason: A nurse places a mask on a client with tuberculosis before transport to the radiology department is a safe handling technique, as it prevents the transmission of airborne pathogens to other clients and staff. The nurse should also wear a respirator and follow the standard and airborne precautions.

Choice B reason: A nurse cleans up a blood spill with hydrogen peroxide is not a safe handling technique, as it can damage the skin and mucous membranes and cause irritation and infection. The nurse should use a bleach solution or an approved disinfectant to clean up blood spills and follow the standard and contact precautions.

Choice C reason: A nurse removes her gown after leaving the client's room is not a safe handling technique, as it can contaminate the environment and expose the nurse to infectious agents. The nurse should remove the gown before leaving the client's room and dispose of it in a designated receptacle.

Choice D reason: A nurse disconnects an indwelling urinary catheter from the drainage bag to collect a specimen is not a safe handling technique, as it can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and cause infection. The nurse should use a sterile syringe and needle to aspirate the specimen from the sampling port and follow the standard and contact precautions.

Choice A reason: A client who has gestational diabetes and is receiving biweekly nonstress tests is incorrect. Gestational diabetes requires monitoring of maternal blood glucose levels and fetal well-being. Nonstress tests are a common method of assessing fetal well-being in pregnancies complicated by conditions such as gestational diabetes. Nurses caring for clients with gestational diabetes need to understand the management of blood glucose levels, dietary considerations, insulin administration if needed, and fetal monitoring techniques. This requires obstetrical-specific knowledge and expertise.

Choice B reason: A primigravida client who is 1 day postoperative following a Cesarean section and has a PCA pump is correct. This client is postoperative following a Cesarean section and is likely in need of pain management through a PCA pump. Postoperative care after a Cesarean section involves monitoring for signs of complications such as infection, bleeding, and wound healing, as well as managing pain effectively. While nurses with medical-surgical experience may be familiar with PCA pumps, the postoperative care of a cesarean section client involves obstetrical-specific considerations such as uterine monitoring, assessment of lochia (vaginal discharge after childbirth), and breastfeeding support.

Choice C reason: A client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and has premature rupture of membranes is not an appropriate assignment for the RN who has floated from a medical-surgical unit, as it involves a high-risk pregnancy that needs close monitoring and intervention to prevent preterm labor and infection. The charge nurse should assign this client to an RN who is competent in the obstetrical unit.

Choice D reason: A multigravida client who has preeclampsia and is receiving misoprostol for induction of labor is not an appropriate assignment for the RN who has floated from a medical-surgical unit, as it involves a complex and potentially life-threatening condition that requires frequent assessment and intervention to prevent eclampsia, hemorrhage, and fetal distress. The charge nurse should assign this client to an RN who is proficient in the obstetrical unit.