A nurse assesses the client and determines the client is at risk for unstable blood glucose. Which activity best reflects the planning phase of the nursing process?

A) The nurse formulates a goal "The client will be free from infection for the duration of the hospitalization": This action reflects the planning phase of the nursing process. The planning phase involves setting goals and determining the best interventions to achieve the desired outcomes for the client. In this case, the goal is to prevent infection, which is a specific, measurable outcome that can guide further interventions.

B) The nurse assesses the client's white blood cell count: Assessing the client's white blood cell count is an important step in data collection, which is part of the assessment phase of the nursing process. It helps the nurse gather information about the client's current health status but is not a planning activity. The nurse would use the information from the assessment phase to formulate goals and plan interventions.

C) The nurse administers the ordered oral antibiotics: Administering antibiotics is an action related to the implementation phase of the nursing process. The implementation phase involves carrying out the planned interventions. In this case, the administration of antibiotics is a direct action taken to address the risk for infection, but it is not the planning phase.

D) The nurse teaches the client the appropriate hand washing technique: Teaching hand hygiene is an important intervention, but it falls under the implementation phase of the nursing process. It involves educating the client to help prevent infection, which is an action taken based on the goals and plan developed earlier. While important, it’s not the planning phase itself.

A) "I will wash the inhaler once a week with running warm water.": This statement is accurate. It is important to wash the inhaler, especially the mouthpiece, at least once a week to prevent the build-up of medication residue and ensure proper function. The recommendation of using warm water is appropriate, and washing weekly is commonly advised by healthcare providers.

B) "I will administer the second puff 1 minute following the first puff.": This is correct. When using a metered-dose inhaler, it is recommended to wait about 1 minute between puffs to allow the medication to be inhaled properly and for the first dose to be fully delivered before administering the second dose. This ensures that each dose is effective.

C) "I will rinse my mouth with water or mouthwash after inhaler use.": This is a correct statement, particularly for inhaled corticosteroids. Rinsing the mouth after using an inhaler helps prevent the development of oral thrush and other side effects such as irritation or infection. It’s also a good habit to remove any leftover medication from the mouth.

D) "I will take slow deep breaths while activating the inhaler.": This statement indicates the need for additional education. The correct technique involves inhaling slowly and deeply after activating the inhaler, not while activating it. If the client exhales forcefully while pressing the inhaler, they may not be able to inhale the medication effectively. It is crucial that the client activates the inhaler and then takes a slow, deep breath to ensure the medication is delivered properly into the lungs.