A client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is receiving dicyclomine, an anticholinergic drug. Prior to administering the next dose, the practical nurse (PN) determines that the client's mucous membranes are dry, and the client reports having a dry mouth. Which action should the PN take

Smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco or snuff, still contains harmful substances, including nicotine and various chemicals. It is associated with several health risks, including an increased risk of oral, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers, as well as gum disease, tooth loss, and nicotine addiction.
Incorrect:

A. By providing this information, the nurse can help the client make an informed decision about their smoking cessation plan. It is crucial to emphasize that quitting tobacco altogether is the best approach to reduce the risk of cancer and improve overall health.
C. The nurse should not encourage the client to continue with the plan to switch to smokeless tobacco as a means of reducing the risk for cancer. Instead, the focus should be on supporting the client's efforts to quit tobacco entirely and providing appropriate resources and interventions to facilitate smoking cessation.
D. Addressing the concern about weight gain when quitting smoking is also important, but it should be done in the context of promoting healthy lifestyle changes and offering strategies to manage weight during the smoking cessation process.

Choice A reason:

Instructing the UAP in the correct removal of contaminated gloves focuses only on one aspect of the PPE removal process. While it is important to remove gloves correctly to prevent contamination, this choice does not address the comprehensive handling of all isolation attire. Proper PPE removal involves multiple steps, including the removal of gowns, masks, and gloves in a specific order to minimize the risk of contamination.

Choice B reason:

Reminding the UAP to remove the gown before removing gloves addresses part of the PPE removal process but not the entire procedure. The correct sequence for removing PPE is crucial to prevent self-contamination. However, this choice does not ensure that all steps are followed correctly. The PN needs to confirm that the UAP understands and correctly performs the entire process, not just one step.

Choice C reason:

Advising the UAP to remove the mask after exiting the room is incorrect because masks should be removed before leaving the isolation room to prevent contamination of the environment outside the isolation area. Droplet precautions require that masks be removed inside the room to contain any infectious agents within the isolation area. This choice could lead to the spread of infection if not followed correctly.

Choice D reason:

Confirming that the UAP has correctly handled the isolation attire ensures that all steps in the PPE removal process are followed correctly. This comprehensive approach helps maintain infection control standards and prevents the spread of infectious agents. By verifying that the UAP has correctly removed and disposed of all PPE, the PN ensures that the UAP adheres to proper protocols, thereby protecting both the healthcare workers and other clients.