A nurse is assessing a client who has a heart rate of 40/min. The client is diaphoretic and has chest pain. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?

Choice A Reason:

Taking aspirin is generally not recommended for pain management in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients. Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and may affect kidney function, which is already compromised in PKD patients. Instead, acetaminophen is often recommended for pain relief.

Choice B Reason:

Reducing dietary fiber intake is not typically advised for PKD patients. In fact, a balanced diet with adequate fiber is important for overall health and can help manage symptoms such as constipation, which can be a concern for PKD patients.

Choice C Reason:

Applying dry heat to the abdomen can help alleviate pain associated with PKD. Heat therapy can relax muscles and reduce discomfort caused by the enlarged kidneys and cysts. This non-pharmacological approach is safe and can be effective in managing pain.

Choice D Reason:

Checking weight once per week is not sufficient for PKD patients. Regular monitoring of weight is important to detect fluid retention and other complications. It is generally recommended to check weight more frequently, such as daily, to promptly identify any significant changes.

Choice A Reason:

Remaining 1 meter (3 feet) away from the client when providing care is not sufficient to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB). TB is an airborne disease, and the bacteria can remain suspended in the air for several hours. Therefore, maintaining a distance alone does not provide adequate protection against inhaling the bacteria.

Choice B Reason:

Applying a surgical mask before entering the client’s room is not the most effective measure. Surgical masks are designed to protect against large droplets and splashes, but they do not provide adequate protection against airborne particles like TB bacteria. Instead, healthcare workers should use N95 respirators, which are specifically designed to filter out airborne particles.

Choice C Reason:

Ensuring the door to the client’s room is closed at all times is a critical measure in preventing the spread of TB. This action helps to contain the airborne bacteria within the room, reducing the risk of transmission to others in the healthcare facility. This is part of airborne precautions, which are essential for managing patients with active TB.

Choice D Reason:

Placing a “no visitors” sign on the client’s door can help limit the number of people exposed to the TB bacteria, but it is not the most critical action. While it is important to restrict visitors, ensuring the door is closed and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are more effective measures in controlling the spread of TB.