A charge nurse is preparing to admit four new clients to the unit. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to a private room?

A. Change the client's position every 2 hr: Repositioning helps prevent skin breakdown and promotes circulation, which is important for stroke clients. However, it does not address the most immediate risk associated with right-sided weakness and facial drooping.

B. Place the client's right hand in a supination position: Proper positioning of the affected extremities prevents contractures and maintains joint alignment. While necessary for long-term care, it is not the highest priority in the immediate post-stroke period.

C. Maintain NPO status for the client: Right-sided weakness and facial drooping indicate potential dysphagia, placing the client at high risk for aspiration. Maintaining NPO status until a swallowing assessment is completed is the priority to prevent aspiration pneumonia, which is a life-threatening complication.

D. Perform range-of-motion exercises to the client's extremities: Range-of-motion exercises prevent contractures and maintain mobility. While important, this intervention is secondary to ensuring the client’s airway safety and preventing aspiration.

Rationale:

A. "Take the medication with an antacid if gastrointestinal upset occurs.": Antacids can bind to tetracycline and significantly reduce its absorption, making the antibiotic less effective. Clients should be instructed to avoid taking tetracycline simultaneously with antacids.

B. "Use a hormonal contraceptive when sexually active.": Tetracycline can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, so clients should use an additional form of contraception rather than relying solely on hormonal methods. This statement should emphasize using a backup method rather than suggesting hormonal contraceptives alone.

C. "Avoid taking this medication with milk.": Calcium-containing products, including milk, can bind to tetracycline and impair absorption. Clients should take the medication with water and separate it from dairy products by at least 2 hours to ensure effectiveness.

D. "Exposure to direct sunlight can help this medication improve acne.": Tetracycline increases photosensitivity, making clients more prone to sunburn. Clients should avoid direct sunlight and use protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, rather than seeking sun exposure.