A home care nurse is making a follow-up visit with a client who has COPD and is using a compressed oxygen system in his home.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

A heart rate of 140/min is not a specific indicator of desmopressin effectiveness in a child with diabetes insipidus. The effectiveness of desmopressin is primarily evaluated based on the reduction in excessive urination and thirst associated with the condition. Monitoring heart rate is essential in certain situations but is not a direct measure of desmopressin efficacy in managing diabetes insipidus.

Choice B rationale:

Cessation of nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is a significant indication that desmopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, is effective. One of the main symptoms of diabetes insipidus is excessive urination, including during the night, leading to bedwetting. When desmopressin effectively reduces urine production, patients often experience improvement in these symptoms, including the cessation of nocturnal enuresis.

Choice C rationale:

Capillary refill of 3 seconds is a measurement used to assess peripheral perfusion and circulatory status. While it is essential to monitor capillary refill in pediatric patients, especially in cases of dehydration or circulatory compromise, it is not a specific indicator of desmopressin effectiveness in managing diabetes insipidus. Capillary refill time is more relevant in the assessment of cardiovascular function and fluid status.

Choice D rationale:

The absence of hypoglycemic episodes is not a direct indicator of desmopressin effectiveness. Diabetes insipidus is unrelated to blood glucose levels, as it involves the dysregulation of water balance due to insufficient antidiuretic hormone. While it is essential to monitor blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, it is not relevant to assessing the effectiveness of desmopressin in treating diabetes insipidus.

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale:

The client has influenza, which is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted through droplets when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The UAP is in close contact with the client while assisting them to sit up in bed to eat lunch. Therefore, it is necessary for the UAP to wear a face mask in addition to a gown and gloves to prevent the spread of the virus.This is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, which recommend that healthcare personnel wear a face mask when they are in the same room as a patient with suspected or confirmed influenza.

Choice B rationale:

A fitted respirator mask is not necessary in this situation.According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), respirators are required for airborne diseases such as tuberculosis, but not for influenza, which is a droplet-transmitted disease. Therefore, reminding the UAP to apply a fitted respirator mask before entering the client’s room is not the most appropriate action.

Choice C rationale:

Assigning the UAP to provide care for another client and assuming full care of the client is not the most appropriate action in this situation. The UAP is already wearing a gown and gloves, which are part of the standard precautions for any patient care.The UAP just needs to add a face mask to their personal protective equipment (PPE) to safely assist the client.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client’s respiratory status is always a good practice. However, it does not address the immediate need for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate action in this situation.