A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a rash. They are trying to rule out (r/o) varicella. Before entering the room, the nurse should be instructed to wear what kind of mask?

Choice A Reason:

Retrieving the blood from the laboratory and running each unit at an 8-hour rate is not appropriate. According to transfusion guidelines, blood products should be infused within 4 hours to prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of transfusion-related complications1. Infusing blood over 8 hours increases the risk of these complications.

Choice B Reason:

Notifying the laboratory to split the unit into 2 and then infusing each half for 4 hours is also not ideal. While this approach might seem to address the time constraint, it is not a standard practice and could lead to issues with blood product integrity and patient safety2. Blood products are typically not split unless there are specific protocols in place, and this is not a common intervention for managing infusion rates.

Choice C Reason:

Calling the HCP to question the order is the correct intervention. Blood transfusions must be completed within 4 hours to ensure patient safety and maintain the integrity of the blood product3. The nurse should advocate for the patient by questioning any orders that do not align with established guidelines and best practices.

Choice D Reason:

Infusing each unit for 8 hours is incorrect. The maximum duration for infusing a unit of blood is 4 hours4. Extending the infusion time beyond this limit increases the risk of complications such as bacterial contamination and reduced efficacy of the blood product.

Choice A Reason:

Loperamide should not be used if diarrhea is infectious is correct. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that works by slowing down gut movement. However, if the diarrhea is caused by an infection, such as from spoiled food, it is important to allow the body to expel the infectious agents. Using loperamide in such cases can prolong the infection and potentially worsen the condition.

Choice B Reason:

You can take loperamide until the diarrhea stops is incorrect. While loperamide can be effective for non-infectious diarrhea, it is not recommended for infectious diarrhea. Stopping the diarrhea prematurely can trap the infectious agents in the intestines, leading to more severe symptoms.

Choice C Reason:

Loperamide has no side effects is incorrect. Loperamide can have side effects, including constipation, dizziness, and abdominal pain. It is important to use this medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially in cases of infectious diarrhea.

Choice D Reason:

Loperamide should not stop this type of diarrhea is incorrect. While it is true that loperamide should not be used for infectious diarrhea, the statement is misleading. Loperamide can stop diarrhea, but it is not appropriate for all types of diarrhea, particularly those caused by infections.