A patient has had a tonsillectomy yesterday and is now tolerating clear fluids and per order diet can be increased. The patient asks for something different to "eat." Which is most appropriate for the nurse to offer?

A. It is important to place a surgical mask on the patient when transporting them to minimize the risk of spreading TB droplets in the environment. This practice helps reduce transmission during transport.
B. TB is primarily transmitted via airborne particles, not droplets. Therefore, patients with active TB should be placed on airborne precautions, not droplet precautions. Airborne precautions include the use of specialized masks and a negative airflow room to prevent the spread of infectious aerosols.
C. While a surgical mask is not adequate for protecting healthcare workers from TB, they should wear a fitted N95 respirator or a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) when providing care to a patient with active TB. A surgical mask does not filter out the small particles that can carry TB bacteria.
D. Patients with active TB should be placed in a private room that has negative pressure ventilation. This design helps prevent airborne TB particles from escaping into other areas of the healthcare facility, protecting other patients and staff.
E. Eye protection is recommended when collecting sputum samples from a patient with active TB, as it helps protect against potential splashes of respiratory secretions that may contain infectious droplets. This is particularly important during procedures that may aerosolize the bacteria.

A. Rinsing the mouth and spitting after using a steroid inhaler is essential to prevent oral thrush, a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids. This practice helps clear residual medication from the mouth and throat, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
B. Bronchodilators, such as short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), should be used before steroid inhalers. The bronchodilator opens the airways, allowing the steroid to reach deeper into the lungs for better efficacy.
C. While some inhalers (like rescue inhalers) may be used on a PRN basis, steroid inhalers are typically prescribed for regular, daily use to manage inflammation and control chronic conditions like asthma or COPD. They are not intended for PRN use only.
D. Frequent oral hygiene helps to reduce the risk of oral thrush and other oral health issues associated with steroid use. Patients should be encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene practices while using inhaled steroids.
E. Holding the breath for about 10 seconds after inhalation allows for better medication absorption in the lungs. This practice helps maximize the efficacy of the inhaled medication.