A nurse in the emergency department is assessing clients who have been triaged using the triage tag system following a hurricane disaster. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect action by the unit nurse. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not effective against Clostridium difficile spores, which can cause severe diarrhea and colitis. The nurse should wash their hands with soap and water after removing gloves to prevent the spread of the infection.

Choice B reason: This is a correct action by the unit nurse. Wearing goggles when emptying the bedpan of liquid stool is a standard precaution that protects the nurse's eyes from exposure to body fluids. The nurse should also wear gloves and a gown when handling the bedpan.

Choice C reason: This is a correct action by the unit nurse. Placing the client in contact precautions is an appropriate measure for clients who have Clostridium difficile. Contact precautions prevent direct or indirect transmission of the infection through contact with the client or the client's environment. The nurse should use a single room or cohort the client with another client who has the same infection.

Choice D reason: This is a correct action by the unit nurse. Cleaning contaminated equipment with bleach-based solution is an effective way to kill Clostridium difficile spores, which can survive on surfaces for a long time. The nurse should follow the manufacturer's instructions for the dilution and contact time of the bleach solution.

Choice A reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is not complex or chronic. The nurse can manage the client's care by monitoring their vital signs, fluid intake and output, and hydration status. The nurse can also educate the client on how to prevent orthostatic hypotension by changing positions slowly and wearing compression stockings.

Choice B reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is well-controlled and self-managed. The nurse can manage the client's care by checking their blood glucose levels, administering insulin as prescribed, and providing dietary and lifestyle education. The nurse can also collaborate with the diabetes educator or the endocrinologist if needed.

Choice C reason: Although this client is at risk for pressure ulcers, their albumin level is within the normal range, indicating adequate nutritional status. Low albumin levels are often associated with poor wound healing and increased risk of skin breakdown, but in this case, nutrition does not appear to be a concern. Preventive measures, such as regular repositioning, skin assessments, and pressure-relieving devices, can be implemented by nursing staff without requiring an interdisciplinary meeting.

Choice D reason:This client is the most appropriate candidate for an interdisciplinary conference. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a critical lab value for monitoring heparin therapy, and a level of 34 seconds is below the therapeutic range. A subtherapeutic aPTT increases the risk of clot formation, indicating that the heparin dose may need to be adjusted. An interdisciplinary team, including the physician, pharmacist, nurse, and laboratory personnel, should collaborate to ensure safe and effective anticoagulation management. This conference would allow for a discussion on dosage adjustments, potential medication interactions, and continued monitoring to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.