An assistive personnel (AP) reports a client's vital signs as tympanic temperature 37.1° C (98.8° F), pulse 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, and BP 88/58 mm Hg. Which of the following vital signs should the nurse re-measure?

Choice A rationale:

Decreased heart rate is not an anticipated finding in response to acute pain. Pain typically triggers sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to an increased heart rate as a physiological response to the stressor.

Choice B rationale:

Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with acute pain. Acute pain is more likely to induce a sympathetic response, which can lead to decreased gastrointestinal motility and hypoactive bowel sounds.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased blood pressure is not a common response to acute pain. Pain often leads to an increase in blood pressure due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones.

Choice D rationale:

Increased respiratory rate is the anticipated finding in response to acute pain. Acute pain can cause an increase in the sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to a higher respiratory rate as the body prepares for a fight-or-flight response. This increased respiratory rate helps oxygenate the blood and meet the potential increased demand for energy during stress.

Choice A rationale:

This choice is correct. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. Contact precautions are designed to prevent the spread of infections that are transmitted through direct or indirect contact. These precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when in contact with the client or their environment.

Choice B rationale:

Droplet precautions are not appropriate for hepatitis B. Droplet precautions are used for infections that are spread through respiratory droplets, like coughing or sneezing. Hepatitis B is not primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Choice C rationale:

Standard precautions involve the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection to prevent the transmission of infections. While these precautions should always be practiced, they are not specifically tailored to hepatitis B, which has its own set of precautions.

Choice D rationale:

Airborne precautions are used for infections that are spread through small respiratory particles that remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through airborne routes, so airborne precautions are not necessary.