A nurse in a rural community is providing education to a group of clients about first aid interventions for snake bites to prevent further injury. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A Reason

“Avoid strenuous activities for 1 week following the procedure.” This statement is partially correct. While it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities, the exact duration can vary. Typically, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous activities for a few days to a week, depending on their recovery.

Choice B Reason

“You will lie on your back during the procedure.” This statement is incorrect. For a bone marrow biopsy from the iliac crest, the patient usually lies on their side or stomach to allow access to the hip bone. Lying on the back would not provide the necessary access for the procedure.

Choice C Reason

“You will receive general anesthesia for the procedure.” This statement is incorrect. Bone marrow biopsies are usually performed under local anesthesia to numb the area. General anesthesia is not typically required. The patient may also receive a mild sedative to help them relax.

Choice D Reason

“Take acetaminophen as prescribed for pain relief after the procedure.” This is the correct statement. Acetaminophen is commonly recommended for pain relief after a bone marrow biopsy because it is effective and has fewer side effects compared to other pain medications like NSAIDs, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice A Reason:

Remaining 1 meter (3 feet) away from the client when providing care is not sufficient to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB). TB is an airborne disease, and the bacteria can remain suspended in the air for several hours. Therefore, maintaining a distance alone does not provide adequate protection against inhaling the bacteria.

Choice B Reason:

Applying a surgical mask before entering the client’s room is not the most effective measure. Surgical masks are designed to protect against large droplets and splashes, but they do not provide adequate protection against airborne particles like TB bacteria. Instead, healthcare workers should use N95 respirators, which are specifically designed to filter out airborne particles.

Choice C Reason:

Ensuring the door to the client’s room is closed at all times is a critical measure in preventing the spread of TB. This action helps to contain the airborne bacteria within the room, reducing the risk of transmission to others in the healthcare facility. This is part of airborne precautions, which are essential for managing patients with active TB.

Choice D Reason:

Placing a “no visitors” sign on the client’s door can help limit the number of people exposed to the TB bacteria, but it is not the most critical action. While it is important to restrict visitors, ensuring the door is closed and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are more effective measures in controlling the spread of TB.