A client presents to the emergency room reporting sudden, sharp pain on the right side of the chest and shortness of breath. The right side of the chest is not moving with inspiration. The client's trachea is deviated towards the left: there is absence tactile fremitus on the right side of the chest. Upon percussion, the nurse hears hyperresonant sound on the right side of the thorax. Upon auscultation, no breath sounds are heard on the right. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Choice A rationale:

Placing the client in airborne isolation is a priority because measles is highly contagious and spread through airborne droplets. Airborne precautions are necessary to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Measles is known for its high infectivity, and isolating the client in a negative pressure room equipped with HEPA filtration can help prevent the spread of the virus to other patients and healthcare workers.

Choice B rationale:

While advising family members not to bring flowers into the room is a reasonable infection control measure, it is not the priority action in this scenario. The immediate concern is to prevent the spread of the highly contagious measles virus through airborne transmission.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining a sputum sample for culture is not the priority action in this situation. Measles is a viral infection, and sputum cultures are typically used to identify bacterial infections. Additionally, the primary mode of transmission for measles is through airborne droplets, so preventing its spread takes precedence over obtaining a sputum sample.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client on contact precaution is not the correct choice for managing measles. Measles is primarily transmitted through the airborne route, so airborne precautions, not contact precautions, are necessary to prevent its transmission.

Choice A rationale:

This choice is not correct because verifying the oxygen flow rate every other day is not part of the discharge teaching for a client on home oxygen therapy. The flow rate should be checked regularly, not just every other day, to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is correct. Checking the tops of the ears for skin breakdown is important in a client using a nasal cannula for oxygen therapy. Prolonged use of the cannula can lead to irritation and pressure-related skin breakdown behind the ears.

Choice C rationale:

This choice is correct. Posting "no smoking signs in a prominent location in the home" is an important safety measure for a client on oxygen therapy. Oxygen supports combustion, and smoking in the presence of oxygen can lead to fire hazards.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is correct. Checking the cannula position on a regular basis is essential to ensure that the oxygen is being delivered effectively and that the client is not experiencing discomfort or skin breakdown due to improper positioning.

Choice E rationale:

This choice is correct. Applying petroleum ointment to the nares if they become dry and irritated is a suitable intervention to maintain the client's comfort and prevent skin irritation from the cannula.