A charge nurse is observing a nurse perform a sterile dressing change for a client. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse identify as demonstrating sterile technique?

Choice A rationale:

Leaving the medication on the client's bedside table is not appropriate because it doesn't address the client's concerns and may result in the client not taking the medication at all. This choice does not promote the client's well-being.

Choice B rationale:

Returning in 1 hour to administer the medication doesn't address the client's immediate concerns and also doesn't provide adequate information about the medication's importance. Delaying the medication administration without proper communication is not ideal.

Choice C rationale:

Mixing the medication in applesauce may be appropriate in some cases, but it doesn't address the client's reluctance to take the medication due to fatigue. Additionally, the client's Crohn's disease might require specific instructions for medication administration that should not be altered without consulting the healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Informing the client of the consequences of refusing the medication is the most appropriate action. The nurse should engage in a therapeutic conversation with the client, explaining the importance of the medication in managing Crohn's disease symptoms and preventing complications. This choice respects the client's autonomy while providing necessary information for an informed decision.

Choice A rationale:

A podiatrist specializes in foot-related issues. Osteoarthritis primarily affects joints, so referring the client to a podiatrist would not directly address their difficulty in buttoning clothes.

Choice B rationale:

A social worker typically addresses psychosocial needs, including emotional and financial concerns. While important, this role wouldn't directly address the client's physical difficulty with buttoning clothes due to osteoarthritis.

Choice C rationale:

Paramedical technologists are skilled in various diagnostic tests and procedures. However, they are not directly involved in assisting clients with activities of daily living or improving physical function.

Choice D rationale:

An occupational therapist (OT) specializes in helping clients regain and enhance their ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, and self-care. For the client with osteoarthritis struggling to button clothes, an OT would assess their physical limitations and provide strategies or adaptive tools to improve independence in these activities.