A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has Clostridium difficile.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Encourage the client to have continual bed rest. Rationale: Continual bed rest is not the appropriate intervention for a client experiencing chronic fatigue due to leukemia. Prolonged bed rest can lead to further weakness and deconditioning. Encouraging some level of physical activity, such as gentle exercise, can help improve strength and reduce fatigue.

Choice B rationale:

Encourage strength-training exercise. Rationale: This is the correct intervention for a client with leukemia experiencing chronic fatigue. Strength-training exercises, when appropriate and under the guidance of healthcare professionals, can help improve muscle strength and overall endurance. It can combat the fatigue commonly associated with leukemia and its treatment.

Choice C rationale:

Increase the client's fluids to 4 L per day. Rationale: While adequate hydration is essential, increasing fluids to 4 liters per day may not be appropriate for every client. The optimal fluid intake for a client should be determined based on their individual needs and medical condition. Excessive fluid intake without medical indication can lead to complications like fluid overload.

Choice D rationale:

Increase protein in the diet. Rationale: Increasing protein intake can be beneficial for clients with leukemia as it helps in tissue repair and supports the immune system. However, it should be done in consultation with a registered dietitian to ensure that the client's specific dietary needs are met.

The correct answer is d. Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward.

Choice A reason: Gently massaging the eyelid is not recommended because it does not facilitate the absorption of ophthalmic ointment and may cause additional irritation or spread the infection.

Choice B reason: The instruction is incorrect because the child has been prescribed bacitracin, not erythromycin. It’s important to follow the prescribed medication and dosage instructions.

Choice C reason: Placing an occlusive dressing over the eye is not advised for bacterial conjunctivitis as it can create a moist environment that may promote bacterial growth.

Choice D reason: This is the correct action. After applying the ointment, wiping away excess from the inner canthus outward prevents the spread of infection and keeps the area clean. This method prevents potential irritation and ensures that the medication does not obstruct vision.