A nurse is caring for a client who has influenza and isolation precautions in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the spread of infection?

A. Eyewear: Eyewear, such as goggles or a face shield, should be removed after the mask. Eyewear protects the eyes from exposure to infectious respiratory droplets or aerosols. When removing eyewear, the nurse should handle it by the sides and avoid touching the front surface, which may be contaminated.

B. Gloves: Gloves are the first item to be removed when leaving the client's room. This is because gloves are in direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or materials. Removing gloves first helps prevent the spread of pathogens from the gloves to other parts of the PPE or the nurse's skin.

C. Mask: After removing gloves, the nurse should remove the mask next. Masks are worn to protect the respiratory system from inhaling airborne infectious particles. When removing the mask, it's important to handle it by the straps or ties and avoid touching the front surface, which may have been exposed to pathogens.

D. Gown: The gown is the last item to be removed. Gowns provide coverage to protect clothing and skin from contamination. When removing the gown, it's important to do so carefully to avoid contaminating oneself or the surrounding environment.

A. Read the medication label twice prior to administration.

This action is crucial to ensure that the nurse correctly identifies the medication and verifies the dosage before administering it to the patient. By double-checking the medication label, the nurse can confirm that they have the right medication, in the correct dose, for the correct patient, and via the correct route. This practice helps prevent medication errors and promotes patient safety.

B. Use one patient identifier prior to medication administration.

Explanation: Using at least one patient identifier, such as the patient's name or date of birth, is a standard safety practice to confirm the patient's identity before administering any medication. This helps ensure that the medication is given to the right patient, reducing the risk of administering medications to the wrong individual.

C. Access the online drug formulary for an unfamiliar medication.

Explanation: While it's essential to be knowledgeable about medications, relying solely on an online drug formulary for unfamiliar medications may not be sufficient for safe administration. Online resources can provide valuable information, but they should supplement, not replace, comprehensive education and understanding of medications. Nurses should have a solid understanding of the medications they administer and consult additional resources as needed.

D. Ask the client if they have ever taken a similar medication.

Explanation: While it's important to gather information from the patient about their medical history and previous experiences with medications, solely relying on the patient's response may not be sufficient for ensuring safe medication administration. Patients may not always accurately recall or provide complete information about their medication history. Nurses should verify medication orders through appropriate channels and rely on documented medical records whenever possible to confirm medication history and suitability for administration.