A male adult is admitted due to an overdose of acetaminophen.

After being transferred to the mental health unit, the patient is informed that he has liver damage.

What is the most crucial information for the nurse to include in the patient’s discharge plan?

Choice A rationale
Replacing the IV site with a smaller gauge is not the most appropriate intervention in this situation. The client’s confusion and picking at the dressing and tape are likely due to the dementia and increased confusion at night, known as “sundowning”. While a smaller gauge might be less noticeable to the client, it does not address the primary issue of the client’s confusion and restlessness at night.

Choice B rationale
Applying soft bilateral wrist restraints might be considered in some situations to prevent a confused client from removing necessary medical devices. However, restraints should be a last resort after all other interventions have been tried because they can increase agitation and confusion, and they pose a risk for injury.
Choice C rationale
Redressing the abdominal incision is the correct choice. The dressing is no longer occlusive, which means it’s not providing a proper barrier to bacteria. This could lead to an infection in the surgical site. The nurse should clean the area and apply a new sterile dressing.
Additionally, the nurse should continue to monitor the client’s behavior and implement interventions to reduce confusion and restlessness, such as reorienting the client and providing a quiet and calm environment.
Choice D rationale
Leaving the lights on in the room at night can actually increase confusion and agitation in clients with dementia. It can disrupt the client’s sleep-wake cycle and make “sundowning” worse. Therefore, this is not the most appropriate intervention.

Choice A rationale

Monitoring the client’s white blood cell count is important in this case. An elevated white blood cell count is a common sign of infection, and regular monitoring can help assess the client’s response to treatment.
Choice B rationale
Implementing contact precautions for staff and visitors is crucial when caring for a client with a potential VRE infection. VRE is a multi-drug resistant organism that can be spread through direct contact, so strict infection control measures are necessary.
Choice C rationale
Using standard precautions and wearing a mask is generally good practice in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. However, a mask is not specifically required for contact precautions with VRE456.
Choice D rationale
Explaining the purpose of a low bacteria diet is not relevant in this case. While diet can play a role in overall health and recovery, it is not a specific intervention for a client with a potential VRE infection.
Choice E rationale
Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity is an important step in confirming the presence of VRE and determining the most effective antibiotic therapy.