A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has Hodgkin's disease and is receiving chemotherapy. Because a private room is not available, the nurse should recommend that the client share a room with a client who has which of the following diagnoses?

A. Infant bassinets should be positioned 24 in (2 feet) apart: To reduce the risk of cross-contamination and droplet transmission, infant bassinets should be spaced at least 3 feet (approximately 91 cm) apart. Positioning them only 2 feet apart does not provide adequate protection against respiratory droplet spread.

B. Staff should avoid using alcohol-based hand rubs to perform hand hygiene: Alcohol-based hand rubs are recommended and effective for routine hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled. They reduce bacterial load quickly, are convenient, and are endorsed by the CDC as part of standard infection control practices in maternal-newborn units.

C. Visitors who have an upper respiratory infection should wear a mask: Wearing a mask helps prevent transmission of respiratory pathogens to newborns, who are highly susceptible to infections. Requiring symptomatic visitors to use masks is an essential infection control measure to protect vulnerable infants in the unit.

D. Pumped breastmilk can be left at room temperature for 6 hr: According to CDC and AAP guidelines, freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for no more than 4 hours. Leaving it for 6 hours increases the risk of bacterial growth and infection.

A. A client who had surgery for cataract removal and lives in a rural location: Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure with predictable recovery and minimal long-term care needs. While follow-up and access to care may require some coordination, it does not usually necessitate an interdisciplinary care conference, as care needs are straightforward.

B. A client who has hemiparesis and lives alone: Hemiparesis significantly impacts mobility, self-care, and safety, and living alone increases the risk of complications such as falls, inadequate nutrition, or medication mismanagement. An interdisciplinary care conference involving nursing, physical and occupational therapy, social work, and possibly home health services is essential to develop a comprehensive discharge plan.

C. A client who requires assistance to pay for dressing supplies: Financial assistance is primarily a social service concern and can usually be addressed by social work without convening a full interdisciplinary care conference. Coordination is needed, but the client’s clinical care needs are otherwise routine.

D. A client who requires instruction regarding medication administration: Teaching about medications is a standard nursing responsibility and can be managed with routine patient education. While education is important, it does not necessitate an interdisciplinary care conference unless other complex care needs exist.