A nurse is caring for a client who has an abruptio placentae. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale:

A. Provide humidification of the room air: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, often results from radiation therapy to the head and neck region. Humidifying room air adds moisture to the environment, helping relieve oral dryness and improving comfort, especially during sleep.

B. Suggest rinsing his mouth with an alcohol-based mouth wash: Alcohol-based mouthwashes can worsen oral dryness and irritate mucosal tissues, making xerostomia more uncomfortable. Clients should instead use alcohol-free or moisturizing rinses.

C. Instruct the client on the use of esophageal speech: Esophageal speech is a communication method taught to clients after laryngectomy, not for xerostomia. It does not address dry mouth and is unrelated to the effects of mandibular radiation.

D. Offer the client saltine crackers between meals: Saltine crackers are dry and salty, which can exacerbate oral dryness and discomfort. Clients with xerostomia benefit more from moist, soft foods and frequent sips of water.

Rationale:

A. Remove the thermometer from the client’s room for use on another client: Equipment used for clients with C. difficile should be dedicated or properly disinfected before reuse. Removing and using the same thermometer on other clients without disinfection increases the risk of cross-contamination.

B. Wash hands with an alcohol-based cleaner: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. difficile spores. Handwashing with soap and water is required to physically remove the spores from the hands.

C. Change gloves after contact with infectious material: Gloves must be changed between tasks and after contact with infectious material to prevent spread. This is standard contact precaution practice for C. difficile infections.

D. Wear a gown when providing care: A gown should be worn during any direct care or activities likely to involve contact with the client or contaminated surfaces, as C. difficile is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and can persist on surfaces.

E. Wear an N95 respirator when providing care: An N95 respirator is not required for C. difficile, which is transmitted through contact, not airborne routes. Standard and contact precautions, not airborne, are appropriate.