A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?

A. Varicella-zoster (chickenpox) requires airborne precautions due to its transmission via respiratory droplets or aerosols.

B. Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is typically transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment and does not require droplet precautions.

C. Pertussis (whooping cough) is transmitted via respiratory droplets and requires droplet precautions to prevent transmission to others.

D. Rotavirus is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route and requires contact precautions, not droplet precautions.

A.

A. Auscultating the client's left arm for a bruit helps assess the patency and function of the arteriovenous fistula. A bruit indicates normal blood flow through the fistula.

B. Comparing blood pressure in both arms every 2 hours is not specifically related to monitoring the arteriovenous fistula. Blood pressure comparison may be done periodically but is not as directly relevant to postoperative care of the fistula.

C. Instructing the client to keep the left arm in a dependent position may help with venous return but is not the primary action for monitoring the arteriovenous fistula's patency and function.

D. Encouraging the client to restrict movement of the left arm is not necessary unless there are specific instructions from the surgeon. Encouraging gentle movement and range of motion exercises may actually be beneficial for preventing stiffness and promoting healing.