The practical nurse (PN) is providing instructions to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to give a total bed bath to an immobile client who has a continuous feeding via gastrostomy tube (GT).

Which instruction is most important for the PN to emphasize?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should inform the client that they will need periodic TB skin tests to monitor for any reactivation of the infection. This is important for assessing the client's response to treatment and ensuring early detection of any recurrence.

Choice B rationale:

Medications for tuberculosis can cause various side effects, but turning urine a blue-green color is not a common side effect associated with these medications. Providing accurate information about potential side effects is important for informed decision-making, but this statement is not accurate.

Choice C rationale:

The correct response is to inform the client that they are no longer contagious when they have negative sputum cultures. This is an important point to emphasize as it ensures that the client understands when it is safe to be around others without the risk of transmitting the infection.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that they will take medication for the rest of their life is incorrect and not appropriate for active pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis treatment typically involves a combination of medications taken for a specified duration, usually several months, until the infection is effectively treated.

Choice A rationale:

Bradycardia. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that primarily affects the blood's clotting ability. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a common side effect of heparin. Therefore, it is not a typical adverse effect to report in this context.

Choice B rationale:

Anorexia. Anorexia, or a loss of appetite, is not a common adverse effect of heparin. Heparin's primary mode of action is to prevent blood clot formation, and it does not directly affect appetite.

Choice C rationale:

Weight gain. Weight gain is not a typical adverse effect of heparin. Heparin's mechanism of action does not lead to changes in body weight. Weight gain could be related to other factors but is not directly associated with heparin administration.

Choice D rationale:

Epistaxis. Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, can be a sign of a bleeding disorder or an adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy like heparin. Heparin can increase the risk of bleeding, including nosebleeds, and should be monitored closely for this adverse effect. It is important to report any signs of excessive bleeding to the healthcare provider as they may need to adjust the dosage or monitor the patient more closely.