A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and is being transferred to hospice care. The client’s daughter tells the nurse, “I’m not sure what to say to my mom if she asks me about dying.” Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Placing the client in semi-Fowler’s position for postoperative assessment is appropriate, promoting lung expansion and reducing aspiration risk. This aligns with standard care, supporting respiratory function and comfort, requiring no further instruction as it reflects safe, evidence-based practice.
Choice B reason: Auscultating lungs without lifting the gown may reduce clarity but is not unsafe. It preserves modesty and is acceptable if effective. While lifting the gown is preferred, this action poses minimal risk, requiring less instruction compared to errors with immediate safety implications.
Choice C reason: Administering an enema without checking for contraindications, like bowel obstruction, risks complications such as perforation. This reflects poor assessment, necessitating instruction to ensure the nurse verifies patient safety and chart details before invasive procedures to prevent harm.
Choice D reason: Checking vital signs before cardiac medication is correct, ensuring safety (e.g., withholding beta-blockers for low heart rate). This follows pharmacological protocols, requiring no instruction, as it demonstrates competence in safe medication administration practices on a medical-surgical unit.

Choice A reason: Varicella, a viral infection, is not treated with antibiotics, which target bacteria. Returning to school after 24 hours of antibiotics is incorrect, as contagiousness persists until lesions crust, typically 5-7 days, risking transmission if the child returns prematurely.
Choice B reason: A negative titer result indicates immunity or resolved infection but is not a practical criterion for school return. Varicella contagiousness depends on lesion crusting, not serology, which is complex and unnecessary when clinical signs confirm reduced infectivity in affected children.
Choice C reason: Fever subsidence does not ensure non-contagiousness in Varicella. The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and lesions until crusted. Allowing return based on fever ignores transmission risk, as active lesions remain infectious, potentially spreading the virus in school settings.
Choice D reason: Varicella is contagious until lesions crust over, typically 5-7 days post-rash. Crusting indicates the end of viral shedding, ensuring safety for school return. This aligns with infection control guidelines, preventing transmission via contact or respiratory routes in communal settings.