A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has Clostridium difficile.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Explanation:

A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen to a client. It consists of two prongs that are inserted into the client's nostrils and connected to an oxygen source. The nasal cannula is commonly used for low-flow oxygen delivery at a rate of 1 to 2 liters per minute (L/min).

The other options mentioned are not necessary supplies for the client upon discharge:

B- Petroleum jelly is not directly related to oxygen therapy and is not a required supply for the client. It is a common topical ointment used for various purposes such as moisturizing the skin or protecting the lips, but it is not specifically needed for oxygen administration.

C- An oxygen mask is an alternative device for oxygen delivery but is not typically used at a flow rate of 1 to 2 L/min. Oxygen masks are usually employed for higher flow rates or in specific clinical situations that require a different oxygen delivery method.

D- A reservoir bag is a component of some oxygen delivery systems, such as a non-rebreather mask or a bag-valve-mask device. However, at a flow rate of 1 to 2 L/min, a reservoir bag is not typically used. It is more commonly utilized in situations where higher oxygen concentrations or higher flow rates are required.

Explanation:

When a charge nurse observes the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath, it raises concerns about their ability to provide safe and competent care to clients. Patient safety is of utmost importance, and the charge nurse must take immediate action to address the situation.

Removing the nurse from the client care area ensures that the nurse is not involved in direct patient care while their ability to provide safe care is in question. This step helps mitigate potential risks to patient safety.

B and D- After removing the nurse from the client care area, further actions can be taken, such as documenting the objective findings about the situation and informing the supervisor. However, the immediate priority is to ensure patient safety by removing the nurse from the care area.

A- Assigning clients to the remaining staff can be done once the situation has been addressed and a suitable replacement for the nurse has been arranged.