A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has leukemia. Which of the following transmission precautions should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: The severity of the condition may not always correlate with the level of pain experienced by the client. Pain is a subjective experience, and two individuals with the same condition may report different levels of pain.

Choice B reason: Vital signs can be indicators of pain but are not always reliable. For example, some clients may exhibit increased heart rate or blood pressure when in pain, while others may not show significant changes in vital signs despite severe pain.

Choice C reason: Nonverbal behavior can be an indicator of pain, especially in clients who are unable to communicate verbally. However, it is still considered less reliable than self-report because it is subject to interpretation by the observer.

Choice D reason: Self-report of pain is considered the most reliable indicator of a patient's pain experience. It is a direct expression of the client's experience and should be the primary source of assessment whenever possible.

Choice A reason: When a patient has an elevated temperature, the body is attempting to cool down through vasodilation, which is why the skin may appear flushed and feel warm. Removing excess blankets can help facilitate the body's natural cooling process. Offering fluids is also crucial as fever can lead to dehydration, especially if there is sweating. Adequate hydration helps regulate body temperature and replaces fluids lost through sweating. The normal body temperature range is typically between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). When the body temperature rises above this range, interventions such as removing blankets and providing fluids can be effective in reducing fever.

Choice B reason: Increasing the patient's activity is not advisable when they have an elevated temperature and are experiencing severe fatigue. Activity generates heat and can raise body temperature further, exacerbating the fever. Rest is recommended to conserve energy and reduce metabolic demand, which can help lower the body temperature.

Choice C reason: The use of ice bags can be a rapid cooling measure but must be used with caution. Direct application of ice to the skin can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which can actually increase the body's core temperature. It is generally reserved for hyperthermia or heatstroke when immediate cooling is necessary. For a simple fever, less aggressive cooling measures are usually preferred.

Choice D reason: Decreasing the patient's intake is not appropriate unless there is a specific contraindication, such as vomiting or risk of aspiration. Adequate nutrition supports the immune system and provides the energy needed for the body to combat the underlying cause of the fever.