A nurse is assessing a sedated client whose respiratory rate has fallen below 10 respirations per minute.
The nurse identifies this condition as what?

Choice A rationale:

Family members who smoke must be at least 10 ft from the client when oxygen is in use. Oxygen supports combustion, and smoking near an oxygen source can lead to a fire. Keeping family members who smoke at a safe distance minimizes this risk.

Choice B rationale:

Nail polish remover or hair spray should not be used near a client who is receiving oxygen. These substances contain flammable ingredients, which can ignite in the presence of oxygen. Instructing the client and those around them to avoid using such products prevents potential accidents.

Choice C rationale:

A "No Smoking" sign should be placed on the front door. This serves as a visual reminder to visitors and family members that smoking is prohibited in the vicinity, reducing the risk of fire when oxygen is in use. Clear communication through signage is essential in maintaining a safe environment.

Choice E rationale:

A fire extinguisher should be readily available in the home. Despite precautions, accidents can still happen. Having a fire extinguisher nearby allows for immediate response in case of a fire-related emergency, ensuring the safety of the client and those around them.

Choice D rationale:

Cotton bedding and clothing should be replaced with items made from wool. This statement is incorrect. There is no specific requirement to replace cotton items with wool for a client using oxygen. Instead, the focus should be on fire safety measures and ensuring that flammable materials are kept away from the oxygen source.

Choice A rationale:

Airborne transmission typically involves smaller particles that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Sneezing, in this case, usually produces smaller droplets that can travel farther distances and potentially infect individuals beyond a few feet away.

Choice B rationale:

Direct contact transmission occurs when there is physical contact between an infected person and a susceptible individual. In this scenario, the infected drainage from the client's wound directly touches the nurse's cut, leading to infection. This type of transmission is characterized by the transfer of microorganisms through physical touch or contact with the skin.

Choice C rationale:

Droplet contact transmission involves larger respiratory droplets that are expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets typically do not travel far and can only infect people who are in close proximity. In this case, the scenario describes a client coughing on their hand and another person becoming infected by touching the contaminated door handle. This aligns with direct contact transmission rather than droplet contact transmission.

Choice D rationale:

Indirect contact transmission refers to the transfer of an infectious agent from a contaminated surface or object to a susceptible person. However, the scenario provided does not involve the nurse coming into contact with a contaminated surface but rather with the infected drainage directly. Therefore, this scenario is best categorized under direct contact transmission.