A client is diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement to prevent the spread of the organism?

The correct answer is choice C: Leave the room after offering to return to the client's room at a later time.

Choice A rationale:

Consulting with the charge nurse about implementing suicide precautions is not appropriate in this situation. The client has not expressed suicidal ideation or intent, and such an action could be invasive and distressing for the client.

Choice B rationale:

Sitting quietly in the client's room until the client is ready to verbalize his feelings might seem supportive, but it disregards the client's request for alone time. It's essential to respect the client's wishes and provide an opportunity for self-reflection and privacy.

Choice C rationale:

Leaving the room after offering to return to the client's room at a later time is the most appropriate action. The client has requested solitude, and respecting his autonomy is crucial in building trust and rapport.

Choice D rationale:

Notifying a member of the client's family of the need to come stay with the client is not necessary at this point. The client's desire for alone time does not indicate an immediate need for family support. The practical nurse should first respect the client's request and give him space to process the news. If the client later expresses a need for family support, appropriate actions can be taken accordingly.

The correct answer is choiceC. Health care proxy documentation.

Choice A rationale:

The name of the funeral home to contact is not immediately relevant during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client. This information can be collected later as part of end-of-life planning but is not critical for the initial assessment.

Choice B rationale:

While the contact information for the client’s next of kin is important for communication and support, it is not as crucial as health care proxy documentation for making immediate healthcare decisions.

Choice C rationale:

Health care proxy documentation is essential because it designates someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the client if they become unable to do so themselves.This ensures that the client’s healthcare preferences and decisions are respected and followed by the healthcare team.

Choice D rationale:

The client’s wishes regarding organ donation are important but are often included in the health care proxy documentation.This information is not as immediately critical as the health care proxy documentation during the admission assessment.