The nurse is preparing a smoking cessation class for family members of patients with lung cancer. The nurse believes that the class will convert many smokers to nonsmokers once they realize the benefits of not smoking, Which health care model is the nurse following?

A) The nurse opens the top flap of a sterile tray toward the body when assisting the provider with a thoracentesis: This is incorrect technique. The sterile field should always be maintained, and when opening sterile trays, the nurse should open the flap away from the body to avoid contaminating the sterile field. Opening the flap toward the body increases the risk of contamination and compromises sterility, which is critical in maintaining aseptic technique during procedures.

B) The nurse uses clean gloves when discontinuing a client's intravenous infusion: Using clean gloves when discontinuing an intravenous infusion is appropriate. Clean gloves are sufficient for this non-sterile task, as the procedure does not involve direct contact with sterile body tissues or fluids. Sterile gloves are not necessary unless the task requires maintaining sterility, such as inserting a catheter.

C) The nurse uses the client's telephone number as one form of identification when administering medications to a client: This is a correct action, as the nurse is verifying the patient's identity before administering medication. It is important to use at least two identifiers (such as the patient's name and date of birth or medical record number) to ensure accurate identification, and the patient's telephone number can be an additional form of identification.

D) The nurse empties the client's drainable colostomy pouch when it is one third full: This is an appropriate action. The nurse should empty the colostomy pouch when it is one third to one half full to prevent leakage or discomfort. This action is part of proper colostomy care and helps maintain hygiene and comfort for the patient.

A) Use a dosimeter to measure the level of radiation in the area before intervening:
While a dosimeter can be useful for measuring radiation levels, it is not the immediate priority in a mass casualty incident. The nurse's first concern should be to ensure personal safety by choosing the most appropriate PPE based on the unknown nature of the hazard. Delaying action to measure radiation might delay critical intervention for victims.

B) Wait until the type of equipment needed is known:
Waiting to determine the exact type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is not a safe strategy in a mass casualty incident. The nurse should be prepared to act quickly to provide care, and waiting to ascertain PPE could jeopardize both the nurse's safety and the safety of the victims. Immediate action, even with the highest available PPE, is more important than waiting for full details.

C) Choose the highest level of protection equipment available:
In a mass casualty incident where the type of hazard is unknown, choosing the highest level of protection ensures the nurse is safeguarded against a broad range of potential risks, such as chemical, biological, or radiological exposure. This action prioritizes safety while providing the flexibility to intervene without delay.

D) Decontaminate victims before intervening:
While decontamination is crucial in a hazardous incident, the nurse's first responsibility is their own safety. Without the proper PPE, the nurse could become contaminated. After donning the appropriate protective equipment, the nurse can then assist with decontaminating victims if necessary. Decontaminating victims should not be the first step before ensuring the nurse is properly protected.