A nurse is admitting a client who has pneumonia. The nurse should initiate which of the following isolation precautions for the client?

Choice A rationale:

Almonds are not typically associated with latex allergy or cross-sensitivity. Latex cross-reactivity is more commonly seen with certain fruits such as bananas, avocados, kiwis, and chestnuts.

Choice B rationale:

Bananas are known to be cross-reactive with latex allergy. Individuals allergic to latex are more likely to have allergies to certain fruits, including bananas. This cross-sensitivity occurs due to the structural similarity between latex proteins and proteins found in these fruits.

Choice C rationale:

Hazelnuts are not commonly associated with latex cross-reactivity. While some individuals with latex allergy may also be allergic to hazelnuts, it is not a high-risk food in the context of latex cross-sensitivity.

Choice D rationale:

Strawberries are not typically associated with latex allergy or cross-reactivity. Latex cross-reactivity is more commonly seen with fruits like bananas, avocados, kiwis, and chestnuts. Strawberries are not among the high-risk foods for individuals with latex allergy.

- A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important but not the priority because it is a secondary prevention strategy that aims to detect and treat any complications or changes in the client's condition early. The client should have regular follow-up visits with an endocrinologist, a diabetes educator, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, a dentist, and other health care providers as needed.

- B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to reduce disability and improve quality of life for clients with chronic conditions. Exercise can help lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, enhance mood, and promote weight management for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client should consult with their health care provider before starting an exercise program and follow safety guidelines such as checking blood glucose levels before and after exercise, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, carrying a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, and staying hydrated.

- C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to prevent or minimize complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and amputations for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Foot care includes inspecting feet daily for any injuries or abnormalities, washing feet with mild soap and warm water, drying feet thoroughly especially between toes, applying moisturizer to prevent dryness and cracking, trimming toenails straight across and filing edges smooth, wearing clean cotton socks and well-fitting shoes, avoiding walking barefoot or exposing feet to extreme temperatures or pressure, and seeking medical attention for any foot problems.

- D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the nurse's priority because type 1 diabetes mellitus requires lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels within normal range and prevent complications such as ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and organ damage. The client needs to know how to administer insulin injections, monitor blood glucose levels, adjust insulin doses according to carbohydrate intake and physical activity, recognize and treat signs and symptoms of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and store insulin properly.