A nurse in the Medical-Surgical unit is caring for a client who has had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant. Which of the following infection-control precautions should the nurse use while caring for this client?

Choice A rationale:

This choice is not correct because verifying the oxygen flow rate every other day is not part of the discharge teaching for a client on home oxygen therapy. The flow rate should be checked regularly, not just every other day, to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is correct. Checking the tops of the ears for skin breakdown is important in a client using a nasal cannula for oxygen therapy. Prolonged use of the cannula can lead to irritation and pressure-related skin breakdown behind the ears.

Choice C rationale:

This choice is correct. Posting "no smoking signs in a prominent location in the home" is an important safety measure for a client on oxygen therapy. Oxygen supports combustion, and smoking in the presence of oxygen can lead to fire hazards.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is correct. Checking the cannula position on a regular basis is essential to ensure that the oxygen is being delivered effectively and that the client is not experiencing discomfort or skin breakdown due to improper positioning.

Choice E rationale:

This choice is correct. Applying petroleum ointment to the nares if they become dry and irritated is a suitable intervention to maintain the client's comfort and prevent skin irritation from the cannula.

Choice A rationale:

The choice "Pigeon" is not the correct answer. Pigeon chest, also known as pectus carinatum, is a deformity of the chest characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs. This condition is not associated with chronic bronchitis.

Choice B rationale:

The choice "Funnel" is not the correct answer. Funnel chest, or pectus excavatum, is a deformity where the sternum is sunken into the chest. It is not the expected chest shape in chronic bronchitis.

Choice C rationale:

The choice "Kyphotic" is not the correct answer. Kyphosis refers to an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, leading to a rounded upper back appearance. This is not the typical chest shape seen in chronic bronchitis.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer is "Barrel." Choice D is the correct answer. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing. Over time, this can lead to air trapping in the lungs and an increase in the anteroposterior diameter of the chest. This results in a barrel-shaped chest appearance, where the chest appears rounded and the ribs are more horizontal. This adaptation allows for increased lung capacity to accommodate for the compromised airflow in patients with chronic bronchitis.