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: Protective precautions are used to shield immunocompromised patients from infections, not typically for patients with meningococcal pneumonia.

Choice B reason: Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by direct contact with the patient or the patient's environment. Meningococcal pneumonia is not primarily spread this way.

Choice C reason: Airborne precautions are for diseases that are spread through the air over long distances, such as tuberculosis. Meningococcal pneumonia is not spread in this manner.

Choice D reason: Droplet precautions are recommended for meningococcal pneumonia. This infection can be spread through droplets from the respiratory tract when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Therefore, droplet precautions, including the use of masks, are necessary to prevent the spread of this infection.

Choice A reason: Expecting the client to express pain both verbally and nonverbally is important in postoperative care. Pain expression is subjective and can vary greatly among individuals. Some clients may verbalize their discomfort, while others may exhibit nonverbal cues such as grimacing, restlessness, or guarding the affected area. It is crucial for nurses to be attentive to all forms of pain expression to assess and manage the client's pain effectively.

Choice B reason: Administering opioids with caution is a standard practice due to the risk of addiction; however, the statement that they will eventually lead to addiction is misleading. Opioids, when used appropriately and under medical supervision, are an effective component of postoperative pain management. The risk of addiction is present but can be mitigated through careful monitoring, patient education, and using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.

Choice C reason: Administering analgesics orally for fast-acting pain relief is a common practice, especially when immediate onset is not required. Oral administration is non-invasive and convenient, but it is not the fastest method for pain relief compared to intravenous administration. The choice of analgesic and the route of administration should be based on the client's pain level, type of surgery, and individual needs.

Choice D reason: Using a pain scale from 0 to 10 is an effective way to monitor the severity of the client's pain. This method provides a quantifiable measure of pain intensity, allowing for consistent assessment and facilitating communication between the client and healthcare providers. It helps in evaluating the effectiveness of pain management interventions and in making necessary adjustments to the pain management plan.

Choice E reason: Considering the client's individual expression of pain is essential in postoperative care. Pain is a personal experience, and what may be tolerable for one person could be unbearable for another. Factors such as cultural background, previous pain experiences, psychological state, and the presence of comorbidities can influence pain perception. Tailoring pain management strategies to the individual's needs and preferences is key to effective pain control.