A nurse and an assistive personnel (AP) are providing postmortem care for a deceased client before visitation by the family. Which of the following actions by the AP requires intervention by the nurse?

The correct answer is Choice C: "Do you consume pork products?"

Choice C rationale: Islamic dietary laws, also known as Halal, prohibit the consumption of pork and its by-products. By asking the client about their consumption of pork products, the nurse demonstrates cultural sensitivity and ensures that the client's dietary preferences and religious practices are respected while under the facility's care.

Choice A rationale: Asking the client if they receive Holy Communion is not appropriate, as this practice is associated with Christianity rather than Islam. This question does not effectively address the client's religious preferences or needs in relation to their Islamic faith.

Choice B rationale: Inquiring about adherence to a kosher diet is not relevant, as this dietary practice is specific to Judaism and does not pertain to the Islamic faith. The nurse should be aware of the distinctions between religious practices when providing culturally competent care.

Choice D rationale: There is no general prohibition against blood transfusions in Islam. Islamic teachings generally permit medical treatments, including blood transfusions, when deemed necessary for the well-being and preservation of life. Asking the client about opposition to blood transfusions would not be the most effective way to clarify their religious preferences in the context of Islam.

The correct answer is choice B. Remove the cover gown in the client’s room after providing care. This is because Clostridium difficile spores are not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand rubs and can survive on surfaces for a long time. Removing the gown in the client’s room helps to contain any spores that may have settled on the gown, preventing them from being spread to other areas.

Choice A rationale:

Cleaning hands with an alcohol-based hand rub immediately after removing gloves is wrong because C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand rubs. The recommended practice is thorough handwashing with soap and water to physically remove the spores from the hands.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the client in a room with negative-pressure airflow is wrong because this measure is used for airborne infections, such as tuberculosis. C. difficile is spread via the fecal-oral route, primarily through contact with contaminated surfaces or hands, not through the air.

Choice D rationale:

Wearing a mask when administering oral medications to the client is wrong because C. difficile is not spread through respiratory droplets. Masks are not necessary unless there is a risk of splash or spray of contaminated material.