A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is actively bleeding from a stab wound to the thigh.
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.

Choice A rationale:

Applying skin sealant on damp skin is not a correct technique when changing an ostomy appliance. Skin should be clean and thoroughly dry before applying any ostomy products. Moisture on the skin can interfere with the adhesion of the pouching system, leading to skin irritation and leakage.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the appliance before emptying the pouch is not the correct technique. Ostomy pouches are designed to be emptied without removing the entire appliance. Removing the pouch unnecessarily can cause discomfort to the client and may damage the surrounding skin. Regular emptying of the pouch while leaving the appliance in place is the appropriate practice.

Choice C rationale:

Ensuring that the skin is slightly damp for better adhesion of the pouch is not accurate. Ostomy pouches adhere best to clean, dry skin. Moisture on the skin can compromise the adhesive seal and lead to skin irritation. Therefore, the skin should be thoroughly dried before applying the ostomy pouching system.

Choice D rationale:

Tracing the size of the stoma onto the skin barrier is the correct technique when changing an ostomy appliance. The opening of the skin barrier (wafer) should match the size and shape of the stoma to ensure a proper fit. Tracing the stoma's size onto the barrier helps in cutting the opening to the appropriate size, preventing leakage and ensuring a secure fit around the stoma.