An occupational health nurse provides monthly lunch and learn sessions to employees of a rail transportation manufacturer. This month, they are providing education on the risk factors for peptic ulcer disease. Which risk factors should the nurse include in the educational session?

Choice A reason: A clear liquid diet the day before a colonoscopy ensures the bowel is free of solid residue, allowing clear visualization of the colon mucosa. Clear liquids like broth, juice, or water do not leave particulate matter, facilitating effective bowel cleansing with laxatives, critical for accurate detection of polyps or abnormalities during the procedure.

Choice B reason: Taking antibiotics the morning of a colonoscopy is not standard practice. Antibiotics are not routinely required for bowel preparation, as the procedure carries a low infection risk. They may be used in specific cases, like patients with heart valve conditions, but this is not a general instruction for colonoscopy preparation.

Choice C reason: Drinking milk is contraindicated during colonoscopy preparation. Milk is not a clear liquid and leaves residue in the bowel, obstructing visualization during the procedure. A clear liquid diet is required to ensure the colon is clean, as dairy products can interfere with effective bowel cleansing and diagnostic accuracy.

Choice D reason: Avoiding water during bowel prep is incorrect. Adequate hydration is essential during colonoscopy preparation to prevent dehydration from laxative-induced fluid loss. Drinking water supports bowel cleansing and maintains electrolyte balance, ensuring patient safety and comfort during the prep process and the procedure itself.

Choice A reason: Wearing a gown and gloves is essential when handling chemotherapy drugs to prevent exposure to cytotoxic agents. These drugs are hazardous, causing skin irritation or systemic toxicity upon contact or inhalation. Personal protective equipment ensures nurse safety by minimizing direct contact with drugs during preparation, administration, or disposal, adhering to oncology safety protocols.

Choice B reason: Administering chemotherapy in a positive pressure room is incorrect. Positive pressure rooms are used for immunocompromised patients to prevent infections, not for chemotherapy administration. Chemotherapy requires a controlled environment, often with negative pressure for preparation, to contain hazardous drug aerosols, ensuring safety for staff and other patients.

Choice C reason: Disposing of chemotherapy waste in regular trash bins is unsafe and incorrect. Cytotoxic drugs and contaminated materials must be disposed of in designated hazardous waste containers to prevent environmental contamination and exposure to healthcare workers or the public. Proper disposal follows strict regulatory guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.

Choice D reason: Using a regular IV pump for chemotherapy is not always appropriate. Many chemotherapy drugs require specialized pumps for precise delivery rates to prevent toxicity or infusion reactions. Regular pumps may lack the accuracy needed for cytotoxic agents, increasing the risk of dosing errors or complications, making this an unsafe practice.