A nurse enters a client's room and sees smoke coming from a wall outlet. After removing the client from the room, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

A. A staff member places a midstream urine sample in a specimen refrigerator after collecting it:

This is a proper practice. Refrigerating the sample after collection helps preserve its integrity and prevents bacterial growth until it can be analyzed.

B. A staff member wipes a countertop with chlorhexidine solution to clean the area following a blood spill:

This is a proper infection control practice. Chlorhexidine is an effective disinfectant, and cleaning the area following a blood spill helps prevent the spread of infectious agents.

C. A nurse uses alcohol-based antiseptic to clean his hands after talking with a client who has varicella zoster:

This is a proper practice. Alcohol-based antiseptic is effective in killing a broad spectrum of germs, and hand hygiene is crucial, especially after contact with a client who may have an infectious condition.

D. A nurse pours sterile 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation solution on an open pressure wound prior to collecting a specimen for culture:

This is an infection control hazard. Sterile saline irrigation should not be poured onto an open wound before specimen collection, as it can introduce contaminants and interfere with the accuracy of culture results. Specimens should be collected using aseptic technique to avoid contamination.

A. Inserting a straight urinary catheter for a client:

Inserting a urinary catheter involves a sterile procedure and requires the specialized skills of a licensed nurse. This task should not be delegated to assistive personnel.

B. Performing perineal care for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter.

Delegating tasks should align with the education, training, and scope of practice of the assistive personnel. Performing perineal care for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is a task that can be appropriately delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves basic hygiene and does not require the advanced skills or knowledge of a licensed nurse.

C. Showing a client how to use an incentive spirometer:

Educational tasks, such as demonstrating how to use an incentive spirometer, require knowledge and understanding of the device, as well as the ability to assess and respond to the client's needs. This task is best performed by a licensed nurse.

D. Increasing oxygen flow for a client who has a nasal cannula:

Adjusting oxygen flow involves assessing the client's condition and making decisions based on the client's oxygenation needs. This task requires the clinical judgment of a licensed nurse and should not be delegated to assistive personnel.