A nurse is caring for a client who has AIDS. The client states, "My mouth is sore when I eat." Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

Rationale:

A. "Placement of the catheter is confirmed by a CT scan.": Catheter placement is typically confirmed by a chest X-ray, not a CT scan, to verify correct positioning and rule out complications such as pneumothorax. CT imaging is not routine for this purpose.

B. "You will be under general anesthesia for this procedure.": Placement of a nontunneled percutaneous central line is usually done under local anesthesia with possible mild sedation. General anesthesia is not required for this relatively short and minimally invasive procedure.

C. "The provider will wear a mask while performing the procedure.": A mask, along with sterile gloves, gown, and drape, is worn to maintain sterile technique and reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections. This is standard protocol during central line insertion.

D. "Your head will be elevated as high as possible while the catheter is inserted.": The client is usually placed in the Trendelenburg position (head down) during catheter insertion to distend neck veins and reduce the risk of air embolism—not in a high head-elevated position.

Rationale:

A. Provide a low-stimulation environment: The client has a severe headache, 3+ proteinuria, and elevated BP, indicating severe preeclampsia. A quiet, low-light environment reduces the risk of seizure by limiting neurologic stimulation.

B. Maintain bed rest: Bed rest in a side-lying position improves uteroplacental blood flow and helps lower blood pressure. It also decreases metabolic demand, which is critical in hypertensive pregnancies.

C. Give antihypertensive medication: The BP readings (162/112 and 166/110 mm Hg) require immediate antihypertensive therapy to prevent cerebral hemorrhage, eclampsia, or placental abruption.

D. Obtain a 24-hr urine specimen: A 24-hour urine collection for protein is the gold standard for quantifying proteinuria and confirming the diagnosis of preeclampsia. While a dipstick of 3+ is a strong indicator, the 24-hour collection provides a definitive measurement.

E. Perform a vaginal examination every 12 hr: There are no contractions or signs of labor, so regular vaginal exams are not indicated and increase the risk of infection in a preterm pregnancy.

F. Monitor intake and output hourly: Decreased renal perfusion is a complication of preeclampsia. Hourly monitoring detects oliguria early and helps assess for fluid overload or worsening renal function.

G. Administer betamethasone: At 31 weeks, betamethasone is indicated to enhance fetal lung maturity due to risk of preterm delivery from severe maternal complications.