A nurse is caring for a client who has Clostridium difficile. When applying a cover gown, which of the following techniques should the nurse use?

A. Encouraging the client to write about her feelings in a journal each day.: While journaling can be therapeutic, it may not be the best immediate intervention. The client may first need support and validation of her feelings before engaging in such an activity.

B. Demonstrating a nonjudgmental attitude toward the client when providing care for her surgical wounds.: This is important for maintaining therapeutic communication, but it does not address the emotional distress the client is currently experiencing.

C. Identifying the client's perception of the changes in her physical appearance.: The client is likely struggling with body image changes following a bilateral mastectomy. The priority should be to assess the client’s emotional response to her altered appearance and to offer emotional support. This provides the foundation for helping the client process her feelings.

D. Providing the client with information on community resources that will strengthen her coping skills.: While community resources can be helpful later on, the immediate priority is understanding the client’s emotional response to her surgery. Once the nurse has established the client's emotional needs, then providing resources may be more appropriate.

A. “Discontinue the medication. I will ask your provider for another antibiotic.”: This is correct. Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones are associated with a risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture, particularly in the Achilles tendon. The pain in the calf muscle could indicate this side effect. The nurse should recommend discontinuing the medication and notifying the provider for further evaluation.

B. “That reaction means your dose is too high. Cut the pill in half.”: This is incorrect. The pain in the calf muscle is likely related to a known side effect of ciprofloxacin, rather than the dose being too high. Adjusting the dose is not the appropriate solution.

C. “Continue to take the medication. Calf pain is a minor reaction that will resolve itself.”: This is incorrect. Calf pain may be indicative of a serious side effect, such as tendonitis or tendon rupture, and the medication should be discontinued until the provider evaluates the client.

D. “This is an allergic reaction. Take the medication with an antihistamine.”: This is incorrect. The pain in the calf muscle is more likely due to tendon-related side effects, not an allergic reaction. Ciprofloxacin-related tendon pain requires immediate attention, and antihistamines would not address the underlying issue.