A client is scheduled for a functional assessment using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The client asks the nurse, "What is the purpose of the FIM?" Which nursing response is appropriate?

Choice A reason: A negative-pressure isolation room is not a suitable room for a client who has scabies. A negative-pressure isolation room is used for clients who have airborne infections, such as tuberculosis or chickenpox. It prevents the contaminated air from escaping the room and infecting other people.

Choice B reason: A positive-pressure isolation room is not a suitable room for a client who has scabies. A positive-pressure isolation room is used for clients who have compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing bone marrow transplants or chemotherapy. It prevents the outside air from entering the room and exposing the client to germs.

Choice C reason: A private room is a suitable room for a client who has scabies. Scabies is a skin infection caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin and cause intense itching and rash. Scabies can spread easily through direct skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items, such as clothing or bedding. A private room can prevent the transmission of scabies to other clients or staff.

Choice D reason: A semi-private room with a client who has pediculosis capitis is not a suitable room for a client who has scabies. Pediculosis capitis is an infestation of head lice that feeds on human blood and causes itching and irritation on the scalp. Pediculosis capitis can also spread easily through direct contact or sharing personal items, such as combs or hats. Sharing a room with another client who has pediculosis capitis can increase the risk of cross-infection and complicate the treatment of both conditions.

Choice A reason: Performing carotid massage is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may worsen the condition or cause complications. Carotid massage is a technique that involves applying pressure to the carotid artery in the neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. It is used to treat some types of arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia. However, carotid massage may dislodge a blood clot or plaque from the carotid artery and cause an embolic stroke, which is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel. Carotid massage may also cause bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope, which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and worsen the ischemic damage.

Choice B reason: Calling for help is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it initiates the emergency response and allows for prompt evaluation and treatment. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The sooner the stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery. Therefore, the nurse should call for help as soon as possible and activate the stroke protocol in the facility.

Choice C reason: Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may cause aspiration or choking. A gag reflex is an involuntary contraction of the throat muscles that prevents foreign objects from entering the airway. It is tested by touching the back of the throat with a tongue depressor or a cotton swab. However, this test is not indicated in a client who has signs of a stroke, as it may trigger vomiting or coughing, which can increase intracranial pressure or cause bleeding. Moreover, giving water to a client who has signs of a stroke may be dangerous, as they may have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or facial weakness, which can impair their ability to swallow safely and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Choice D reason: Administering thrombolytics is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may be contraindicated or harmful depending on the type and timing of the stroke. Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. They are used to treat ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. However, thrombolytics are not effective for hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding into or around the brain. In fact, thrombolytics may worsen hemorrhagic stroke by increasing bleeding and intracranial pressure. Therefore, thrombolytics should only be given after confirming the type of stroke by imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thrombolytics should also be given within a specific time window after the onset of symptoms, usually within 3 to 4.5 hours, as they may lose their effectiveness or cause complications if given too late. Therefore, administering thrombolytics is not an action that a nurse can take without proper assessment and orders from the health care provider.