A charge nurse is speaking with the partner of a client. The partner states that the client is not receiving adequate care. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse take first to resolve the situation?

Choice A reason:

"I should gargle with an alcohol-based mouthwash to kill germs”. This statement is not appropriate. Using an alcohol-based mouthwash is not recommended for a client with stomatitis. Alcohol can be irritating to the already inflamed mucous membranes and may worsen the condition. Instead, the client should use a mild, non-alcohol-based mouthwash or rinse as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Choice B option

"I should limit my intake of dairy products to prevent nausea." This statement is not appropriate. While some clients may experience nausea during radiation therapy, limiting dairy products is not specifically related to stomatitis management. The client should follow any dietary recommendations provided by the healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to address nausea or other dietary concerns.

Choice C option

"I should moisten my lips with lemon-glycerine swabs." This is incorrect because lemon-glycerine swabs can be drying and irritating to the oral mucosa, which may exacerbate stomatitis symptoms. Instead, using a gentle, non-irritating lip balm or petroleum jelly is preferred.

Choice D option

"I should use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean my teeth after meals." This response indicates an understanding of the teaching because a soft-bristle toothbrush is gentle on the gums and oral tissues, which is important for a client with stomatitis, as it helps to minimize irritation and injury.

a. Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse: This choice suggests proceeding with medication administration but also informing the charge nurse. While it's important to communicate with the charge nurse regarding medication administration, in this scenario, there is no indication to hold the medication as the infant's heart rate is within the normal range. Therefore, alerting the charge nurse may not be necessary at this point.

b. Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment: This choice suggests holding the medication and documenting the cardiac assessment. However, since the infant's heart rate is within the normal range for their age, there is no clinical indication to hold the medication. Holding the medication unnecessarily could delay treatment and potentially lead to adverse outcomes if the medication is needed.

c. Administer the medication and document the heart rate.

Since the infant's heart rate of 120 beats per minute falls within the normal range for a 2-month-old, there is no indication to hold the medication. Administering the digoxin as prescribed and documenting the heart rate before administration are appropriate actions. It's important to ensure accurate documentation to track the infant's response to the medication and monitor for any changes in heart rate.

d. Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 1 hour: This choice suggests holding the medication and rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour. Again, since the infant's heart rate is within the normal range, there is no clinical indication to hold the medication or delay treatment. Rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour would be unnecessary and could potentially delay necessary medication administration.