A client is receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis since the arteriovenous (AV) graft in the right arm is no longer available for use for hemodialysis. The client has lost weight, has increasing peripheral edema, and has a serum albumin level of 1.5 g/dL (15 g/L). Which intervention is the priority for the nurse to implement?

Serum Albumin Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL (35 to 55 g/L)

Choice A: Assigning the UAP to provide care for another client and assume full care of the client is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is unnecessary and inefficient. The UAP can safely assist the client with influenza if they follow proper infection control measures. This is an incorrect choice.

Choice B: Reviewing the need for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client is an action that the nurse should take, as this can protect the UAP and others from droplet transmission of influenza. This is a standard precaution that should be reinforced by the nurse. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice C: Instructing the UAP to apply a fitted respirator mask before entering the client's room is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is not indicated for a client with influenza. A respirator mask is required for airborne transmission, not droplet transmission. This is another incorrect choice.

Choice D: Directing the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client's respiratory status is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is a general instruction that does not address the specific issue of infection control. This is another incorrect choice.

Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because continuing to monitor the client for signs of an infection is important to detect any recurrence or complication of MRSA infection. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause serious skin, soft tissue, bone, joint, or bloodstream infections. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, wound appearance, pain level, and laboratory results.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct answer because calling the healthcare provider for a prescription for linezolid is not necessary unless the client has an active MRSA infection that requires treatment. Linezolid is an antibiotic that can be used to treat MRSA infections, but it has potential side effects and interactions that need to be considered. The nurse should not prescribe or administer antibiotics without a valid order.

Choice C reason: This is a correct answer because collecting multiple sets of blood cultures for MRSA screening is important to identify any asymptomatic bacteremia or sepsis that could result from MRSA infection. MRSA can enter the bloodstream through wounds, catheters, or surgical sites and cause life-threatening complications such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis, or pneumonia. The nurse should obtain blood samples from different sites and times and send them to the laboratory for analysis.

Choice D reason: This is a correct answer because placing the client on contact transmission precautions is important to prevent the spread of MRSA to other clients, staff, or visitors. Contact transmission precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when entering the client's room, using dedicated or disposable equipment, and performing hand hygiene before and after contact with the client or their environment.

Choice E reason: This is not a correct answer because obtaining a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity is not relevant to the client's history of MRSA wound infection. Sputum culture and sensitivity is a test that can be used to diagnose respiratory infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The nurse should only obtain a sputum specimen if the client has signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as cough, fever, chest pain, or dyspnea.