A patient is receiving linezolid IV for nosocomial pneumonia.
Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Choice A rationale

Clarifying reality with the client about delusional thoughts is not the most effective approach when dealing with a client with dementia who is experiencing agitation and delusional thoughts. The cognitive impairment associated with dementia may make it difficult for the client to understand or accept the clarification, which could lead to increased frustration and agitation.

Choice B rationale

Reducing the client’s interaction with others during the day is not the most appropriate approach in this situation. It may lead to increased social isolation and could potentially worsen the client’s agitation and delusions. It does not directly address the client’s emotional distress.

Choice C rationale

Awakening the client earlier for daily morning care may further disrupt the client’s sleep patterns and potentially worsen agitation. It does not address the underlying issue of delusional thoughts and the client’s emotional distress.

Choice D rationale

Using distraction and therapeutic communication skills is the most suitable approach for a client with dementia who is experiencing agitation and delusional thoughts. Distraction techniques can help redirect the client’s focus away from distressing thoughts, and therapeutic communication skills, such as active listening and validation, can help the client feel understood and supported.

Choice A rationale

While it’s true that many contraceptives can help prevent certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they are not 100% effective. Condoms, for instance, can reduce the risk of STIs that are spread through bodily fluids, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. However, they are less effective at protecting against STIs that are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV)1.

Choice B rationale

Not all STIs are transmitted through sexual intercourse. Some STIs, such as herpes and HPV, can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. Others, like HIV and hepatitis B and C, can also be spread through sharing needles or from mother to child during childbirth.

Choice C rationale

Safe sex practices can significantly reduce, but not completely remove, the risk of STIs. These practices include using condoms correctly every time you have sex, getting tested regularly for STIs, and limiting the number of sexual partners.

Choice D rationale

Reinfections can indeed occur from having sex with untreated partners. This is particularly true for bacterial STIs like syphilis. If a person’s partner is not treated, the bacteria can remain in their body and they can pass the infection back to the person after they’ve been treated.