A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has meningococcal pneumonia. Which of the following isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?

The correct answer is: c. Positioning the client’s arm above heart level.

Choice A: Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client’s arm

Wrapping the cuff too loosely can lead to an inaccurately high blood pressure reading, not a low one. A loose cuff does not compress the artery properly, causing the device to overestimate the pressure needed to occlude the artery.

Choice B: Measuring blood pressure right after the client’s mealtime

Measuring blood pressure right after a meal can cause a slight increase in blood pressure due to the body’s metabolic response to digestion. This is not a common cause of a low blood pressure reading.

Choice C: Positioning the client’s arm above heart level

Positioning the client’s arm above heart level can lead to an inaccurately low blood pressure reading. When the arm is elevated, the hydrostatic pressure decreases, resulting in a lower reading. This is a well-known source of error in blood pressure measurement.

Choice D: Deflating the cuff too slowly

Deflating the cuff too slowly can cause venous congestion, which may lead to an inaccurately high reading rather than a low one. The standard deflation rate is 2-3 mm Hg per second to ensure accurate measurement.

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.