A nurse is caring for a client who has deep-vein thrombosis and a new prescription for antiembolitic stockings.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Assign the client to a private room with negative air pressure.

Rationale:

• A. Incorrect. Restricting fresh flowers from the client's room is not necessary for infection control purposes. However, some clients with pulmonary tuberculosis may have hypersensitivity reactions to certain plants or flowers, so the nurse should assess the client's allergies before allowing them in the room.
• B. Incorrect. Maintaining a distance of 1.8 m (6 feet) from the client is not sufficient to prevent transmission of tuberculosis. Visitors should also wear a HEPA respirator and limit their contact time with the client.
• C. Incorrect. A surgical mask is not adequate to protect the nurse from inhaling airborne droplet nuclei that contain Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The nurse should wear a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirator when providing client care.
• D. Correct. Assigning the client to a private room with negative air pressure is the most effective way to prevent the spread of tuberculosis to other clients and staff members. The room should have at least six air exchanges per hour and an exhaust system that vents directly to the outside.

Choice A rationale:

Administering terbutaline is used to stop or slow down preterm labor contractions. In the given scenario, the client is in the latent phase of labor and is experiencing severe back pain. Terbutaline is not indicated for back pain during labor.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the client in a warm bath can provide comfort and relaxation, but it may not specifically alleviate back pain during labor. Additionally, warm baths are more commonly used for pain relief in early labor or during the active phase, not specifically for back pain.

Choice C rationale:

Applying counterpressure during each contraction is an appropriate intervention for relieving back pain during labor. Back pain is a common discomfort experienced by many women during labor, and counterpressure, often applied by a support person or nurse, can help alleviate the discomfort. It is a non-pharmacological method that can be effective in managing pain during labor.

Choice D rationale:

Requesting the provider prescribe a pudendal nerve block is not the first-line intervention for back pain during labor. Pudendal nerve blocks are used for pain relief during the second stage of labor (during delivery) and are typically administered by the provider if needed. It is not the appropriate intervention for back pain in the latent phase of labor.