The practical nurse (PN) is making a home visit to an older male adult who was recently diagnosed with Herpes zoster (shingles). The client reports the onset of severe burning pain along the right side of his trunk.

What action should the PN take?

The correct answer is choice A: Have the client sit down in the hall.

Choice A rationale: The PN should first have the client sit down to help alleviate the client's chest tightness and shortness of breath. Sitting down allows for better lung expansion and reduces the risk of falling due to dizziness or lightheadedness. This is the most appropriate initial action in response to the client's complaint.

Choice B rationale: While assisting the client back to their room is important, the PN should first ensure that the client is sitting down to help manage their symptoms. After the client is seated and more stable, the PN can then assist them back to their room for further assessment and intervention.

Choice C rationale: Administering sublingual nitroglycerin may be appropriate if the client is experiencing cardiac-related chest pain. However, the PN should first have the client sit down and gather more information about their symptoms before administering any medications.

Choice D rationale: Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram can help assess the client's cardiac status, but it is not the first action that the PN should take in this situation. Ensuring the client's safety and managing their symptoms are immediate priorities. The PN can consider obtaining an electrocardiogram after addressing the client's immediate needs and assessing their condition further.

The correct answer is choice D. Don non-sterile gloves when performing direct care.

Choice A rationale:

Placing a surgical mask on the client during transport is not necessary for preventing the spread of Clostridium difficile. C. difficile is primarily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and not through airborne transmission.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping the door closed to the client’s room at all times is not required for C. difficile infection. The focus should be on contact precautions rather than airborne precautions.

Choice C rationale:

Wearing a particulate respirator mask is not needed for C. difficile, as it is not an airborne pathogen. Standard contact precautions are sufficient.

Choice D rationale:

Donning non-sterile gloves when performing direct care is essential to prevent the spread of C. difficile. The spores can be transmitted via the hands of healthcare workers, so wearing gloves helps to minimize this risk.