A nurse is assigning task roles for a group of clients in a community mental health clinic. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the member of the group functioning as the orienteer?

Choice A rationale:

Protective environment isolation precautions are used for immunocompromised patients to protect them from infections in the environment. It is not the appropriate precaution for a patient with bacterial meningitis, which is spread through respiratory droplets.

Choice B rationale:

Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are spread through the air and require a negative pressure room. Examples include tuberculosis and chickenpox. Bacterial meningitis is spread through respiratory droplets, not airborne transmission.

Choice C rationale:

Contact precautions are used for diseases that are spread by direct or indirect contact. Examples include MRSA and Clostridium difficile. Bacterial meningitis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, not direct contact.

Choice D rationale:

Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are spread by respiratory droplets, such as influenza and bacterial meningitis. Patients with bacterial meningitis should be placed in a private room and wear a mask, and healthcare providers should wear a mask and eye protection when within 3 feet of the patient. This precaution helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets containing the bacteria.

- 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.