A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postoperative and has a chest tube to a disposable water-seal drainage system with suction. The nurse should intervene for which of the following observations?

Choice A rationale
Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake is correct. Increasing fluid intake helps to maintain hydration, which is essential for the body to function properly, especially when the client is experiencing fever and muscle aches. Hydration helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel, and supports the immune system in fighting off infection.
Choice B rationale
Placing the client in a private room is correct. A private room helps to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and healthcare workers. This is particularly important when the client has symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue, which could indicate a contagious illness.
Choice C rationale
Placing the client on contact precautions is incorrect. Contact precautions are typically used for infections that are spread by direct contact with the patient or their environment, such as MRSA or C. difficile. The symptoms described (headache, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, and fatigue) do not necessarily indicate an infection that requires contact precautions.
Choice D rationale
Wearing a mask when caring for the client is correct. Wearing a mask helps to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections, which can be spread through droplets when the client coughs or sneezes. This is especially important when the client has symptoms such as a sore throat and fever, which could indicate a respiratory infection.

Choice A rationale
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen. In DIC, there is widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of small blood clots throughout the bloodstream. This process consumes clotting factors and platelets, increasing the risk of severe bleeding.
Choice B rationale
DIC is not a genetic disorder involving a vitamin K deficiency. It is typically a secondary condition resulting from other underlying issues such as sepsis, trauma, or malignancy. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bleeding disorders, but it is not the cause of DIC13.
Choice C rationale

DIC is characterized by a decreased platelet count, not an elevated one. The consumption of platelets and clotting factors in the formation of microthrombi leads to thrombocytopenia and an increased risk of bleeding.
Choice D rationale
DIC is not controllable with lifelong heparin usage. While heparin may be used in certain cases to manage DIC, it is not a lifelong treatment. The management of DIC focuses on treating the underlying cause and supporting the patient through the acute phase of the disorder.