After a change-of-shift report, the nurse needs to prioritize care for four clients. Who should the nurse attend to first?

Choice A rationale

Applying mystatin cream to the blistered areas is not typically recommended for herpes zoster lesions. Mystatin is an antifungal medication, and herpes zoster is caused by a virus, not a fungus.

Choice B rationale

Implementing contact precautions is recommended for patients with widespread herpes zoster lesions. This helps to prevent the spread of the virus to other people.

Choice C rationale

Using warm compresses on the crusted lesions is not typically recommended. While warm compresses can help with some skin conditions, they are not usually part of the care plan for herpes zoster.

Choice D rationale

Administering the shingles vaccine is not typically done once a patient already has widespread herpes zoster lesions. The vaccine is used to prevent shingles, not to treat active cases.

Choice A rationale

Elevating the head of the bed 45 degrees before starting the CPM device is not necessary. The position of the bed does not affect the operation of the CPM device.

Choice B rationale

Instructing the patient to increase the degree of flexion as tolerated is not the nurse’s responsibility. The degree of flexion is usually set by the healthcare provider or physical therapist.

Choice C rationale

Ensuring the frame joint is in a flexed position before placing the leg onto the device is not necessary. The CPM device should be set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the healthcare provider’s orders.

Choice D rationale

Ensuring the knee joint is positioned over the CPM device frame joint is crucial. Proper alignment of the patient’s knee joint with the CPM device’s joint ensures effective and safe operation of the device.