A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a 3-year-old child who has suspected epiglottitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

 

Choice A rationale:

Recording the client's progress in the nurses' notes is important for documentation but does not directly promote communication among staff caring for the client. It is essential for the continuity of care and legal documentation, but it does not facilitate active communication between team members.

Choice B rationale:

Posting swallowing precautions at the head of the client's bed is essential for the client's safety, especially considering the risk of aspiration following a stroke. While it ensures the staff is aware of the precautions, it does not directly promote communication among the staff members.

Choice C rationale:

Having interdisciplinary team meetings for the client on a regular basis is the best choice as it promotes communication among the staff caring for the client. Interdisciplinary team meetings allow healthcare professionals from various disciplines, such as nurses, therapists, and doctors, to collaborate, share information, and discuss the best approach to care for the client. This approach ensures comprehensive and coordinated care, addressing both the client's medical and communication needs.

Choice D rationale:

Noting changes in the treatment plan in the client's medical record is crucial for documentation and continuity of care but does not actively promote real-time communication among the staff members. While it is essential for keeping the medical record updated, it does not facilitate immediate communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals.

The correct answer is Choice B: "When using implanted contraceptive methods, condoms should also be used to protect against STDs."

Choice B rationale: While implanted contraceptive methods are highly effective in preventing unintended pregnancies, they do not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, using condoms in conjunction with implanted contraceptives can enhance overall sexual health by reducing the risk of contracting or transmitting STDs. This statement highlights the nurse's understanding of the importance of comprehensive sexual health practices and the limitations of various contraceptive methods.

Choice A rationale: The use of petroleum-based lubricants with condoms can actually compromise their effectiveness. Petroleum-based lubricants can degrade latex condoms, increasing the likelihood of condom breakage or slippage, which in turn raises the risk of both pregnancy and STD transmission.

Choice C rationale: Condoms are indeed effective in preventing pregnancy, but their effectiveness can be enhanced by using them in conjunction with vaginal spermicides. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can provide additional protection by inactivating or killing sperm, thus reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Choice D rationale: Ensuring a proper fit is crucial for a condom's effectiveness, but the statement only emphasizes the condom fitting snugly over the tip of the penis. For optimal protection, a condom should be unrolled to cover the entire erect penis, leaving a small empty space at the tip for semen collection. A condom that is not unrolled completely may be more likely to slip off or break during intercourse.