An older adult client with metastatic lung cancer is experiencing shortness of breath as the result of bilateral pneumonia. The client has previously expressed an interest in hospice care. Which information should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with the client and family regarding hospice care? Select all that apply.

A. Standards of practice for practical nursing: While important for general nursing care, national or professional standards do not replace the specific legal requirements outlined by the state’s licensing authority, which directly govern what a PN can and cannot do.
B. The licensing state's PN scope of practice: Each state defines the legal scope of practice for practical nurses, including what tasks they are authorized to perform. Reviewing the specific state's scope of practice ensures the PN practices legally and professionally in the new employment setting.
C. Geriatric standards of care guidelines: Geriatric care guidelines help provide quality care for older adults but are not the first priority when ensuring lawful nursing practice across state lines. Legal requirements must be understood first.
D. The employing agency's procedure manuals: While agency policies are important for specific job performance, they must be aligned with the state's legal scope of practice. Knowing the legal boundaries first is crucial before following any workplace procedures.

A. Breast pads wet with breast milk from a postpartum client with mastitis: Although mastitis involves infection, breast milk is not classified as a biohazard unless visibly contaminated with blood. Breast pads wet only with milk would typically be discarded in regular waste, not biohazard containers.
B. Straight urinary catheter tray used to collect a urine specimen for culture: The tray may have biological material but is not heavily saturated with blood or other highly infectious fluids. Urine alone, unless grossly bloody, does not typically require disposal in a biohazard container.
C. Urine soiled disposable bed pads for a client with hepatitis C: Even though the client has hepatitis C, urine is generally not considered a high-risk fluid for transmission of bloodborne pathogens unless visibly contaminated with blood. These pads would be disposed of in regular medical waste.
D. Postoperative dressing that is saturated with bright red blood: A dressing heavily saturated with blood must be placed in a biohazard container because blood is classified as a potentially infectious material. Proper disposal prevents exposure to bloodborne pathogens and meets infection control standards.