A nurse is assisting in the admission of a client who has measles. Which of the following isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?

The correct answer is choice D, wooden building blocks.

Choice A rationale:

Colored paper and safety scissors are not appropriate for an 18-month-old child due to safety concerns. At this age, children are still developing fine motor skills and coordination, and the use of scissors, even safety ones, poses a risk of injury.

Choice B rationale:

Stringing beads is not suitable for an 18-month-old child as it requires more advanced fine motor skills and could pose a choking hazard. Children at this age are still prone to exploring objects by putting them in their mouths.

Choice C rationale:

Alphabet flash cards are not the best choice for an 18-month-old child with pneumonia. While flash cards can be educational, they are more suited for older children who are beginning to learn letters and words. At 18 months, play should focus on sensory and motor skill development rather than academic learning.

Choice D rationale:

Wooden building blocks are the most appropriate choice for an 18-month-old child. They encourage play that is developmentally supportive, promoting fine motor skills and creativity. Blocks can be easily handled by small hands, and there is no risk of injury or choking. Additionally, building and knocking down block towers can provide a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment for the child.

Choice A rationale:
Insulin administration is not appropriate in this situation. The child's symptoms (slurred speech, diaphoresis, low blood glucose reading) indicate hypoglycemia, which is a state of low blood sugar. Administering insulin, which lowers blood glucose further, would exacerbate the hypoglycemia and could lead to more severe symptoms or even unconsciousness.
Choice B rationale:
Metformin is not indicated in this scenario. Metformin is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes mellitus. The child in the scenario has type 1 diabetes, which is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin production.
Choice C rationale:
Offering a 6 oz diet soft drink is not the appropriate intervention for hypoglycemia. Diet soft drinks do not contain significant amounts of sugar, which is needed to rapidly raise the child's blood glucose levels. In cases of hypoglycemia, a source of quickly absorbable sugar, such as a regular soft drink or fruit juice, is recommended.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a 6 oz regular soft drink is the appropriate intervention in this situation. The child is experiencing hypoglycemia, which means their blood glucose levels are dangerously low. Regular soft drinks contain rapidly absorbable sugar that can quickly raise the child's blood glucose levels, alleviating the symptoms of hypoglycemia. The child's symptoms, including slurred speech and diaphoresis, are indicative of a need for immediate intervention to raise blood sugar levels.