A patient is given lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, to decrease symptoms of anxiety and restlessness on the evening prior to planned surgery. The nurse knows that the patient is experiencing a paradoxical drug reaction when which of the following is assessed?

Choice A rationale:

Admission assessment of a new client requires comprehensive evaluation, critical thinking, and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of a registered nurse's responsibilities and should not be delegated to an LPN.

Choice B rationale:

Evaluating changes to a client's pressure ulcer also involves clinical judgment and assessment skills that fall within the domain of a registered nurse's role.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Tracheostomy care involves routine and standardized procedures that an LPN can perform under the supervision of a registered nurse. LPNs are trained to provide this type of care safely and effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a blood transfusion is a complex procedure that requires careful monitoring and assessment for potential adverse reactions. This task is typically within the scope of a registered nurse's practice, not an LPN's.

Choice A rationale:

Enclosing the dressing in a single clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is not the appropriate method for disposing of a dressing saturated with blood and purulent drainage. Blood and purulent drainage are considered potentially infectious materials, and they should be handled as biohazardous waste to prevent the spread of infection.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. When dealing with potentially infectious materials such as blood and purulent drainage, it's essential to dispose of them in a biohazardous waste container. This specialized container is designed to contain potentially infectious materials and prevent their spread, thereby protecting both healthcare workers and the environment.

Choice C rationale:

Discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle is not the recommended approach for disposing of materials that are contaminated with blood and purulent drainage. Simply discarding it in the regular trash increases the risk of infection transmission and is not compliant with proper infection control practices.

Choice D rationale:

Double-bagging the dressing in clear bags and labeling it "biohazard" is a good practice to ensure proper containment. However, it's not the most comprehensive method of disposal. Placing the dressing in a dedicated biohazardous waste container is a more secure and standardized method for disposing of potentially infectious materials.