A nurse is caring for a client.

Nurses' Notes 0900:

Client reports a 3-month history of intermittent diarrhea and abdominal pain. Reports unintentional weight loss of 5.5 kg (12 lb) in 3 months.

0930:

Stool sample obtained for fecal occult blood test. Fatty appearance and foul odor noted.

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or Crohn's disease. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

Choice A rationale:

Looping the tubing so that it is lower than the collection bag creates a dependent loop where urine can pool, increasing the risk of UTI. This practice should be avoided as it can lead to bacterial contamination and subsequent infections.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping the urinary bag at bladder level when ambulating helps maintain a continuous flow of urine into the collection bag without creating dependent loops. This practice minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination and reduces the chances of acquiring a UTI.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining urinary samples by disconnecting the tubing connections is not recommended. This procedure can introduce bacteria into the urinary system, increasing the risk of UTI. Sterile techniques, such as using a catheter port for sampling, should be followed to minimize the risk of infection.

Choice D rationale:

Securing the catheter to the client's thigh is essential to prevent tension and pulling on the catheter, which can cause trauma to the urethra. However, securing the catheter alone does not minimize the risk of UTI. Proper hygiene, closed drainage system, and maintaining a continuous flow of urine into the collection bag are key factors in preventing UTIs in clients with indwelling urinary catheters.

A. Incorrect. Avoiding the issue by scheduling the nurses to have fewer shifts together might not address the underlying conflict and could lead to resentment.

B. Incorrect. To auscultate blood pressure accurately, it's essential to follow proper positioning and technique, which typically involves having the client's arm at heart level. Placing the arm above heart level can lead to falsely lower blood pressure readings.

C. Incorrect. While promising more equitable assignments is important, addressing the conflict directly and encouraging collaboration is a more proactive approach.

D. Using the palpatory method, the nurse can feel for the radial pulse while slowly deflating the blood pressure cuff. This helps estimate the systolic blood pressure when Korotkoff sounds are challenging to hear. It provides a rough estimate until clear sounds can be heard and ensures accurate blood pressure measurement.