A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an open cholecystectomy. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?

The correct answer is choice D, Describe the food placement as though the plate were a clock. When delivering the client's meal tray, the nurse should describe the food placement as though the plate were a clock to help the client know where the food is located. This helps the client be more independent and participate actively at mealtime. Choice A is incorrect because arranging for assistive personnel to feed the client may take away the client's independence. Choice B is incorrect because discouraging conversations during the client's mealtime may make the client feel isolated. Choice C is incorrect because providing the client with small-handled adaptive utensils may not help the client locate food on the plate.

Other choices:

A. Arrange for assistive personnel to feed the client: Arranging for assistive personnel to feed the client may take away the client's independence.

B. Discourage conversations during the client's mealtime: Discouraging conversations during the client's mealtime may make the client feel isolated.

B. Provide the client with small-handled adaptive utensils: Providing the client with small-handled adaptive utensils may not help the client locate food on the plate.

The client should wear a mask during transport to prevent the spread of infectious droplets. The nurse should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the precautions required for the specific client, which in this case would be a mask. The nurse does not need to wear a gown as droplet precautions do not require the use of a gown during transport.

The correct answer is choice C, the client should wear a mask during transport.

Choice A rationale:

The client wearing a gown during transport is not typically necessary for droplet precautions unless there is a risk of the gown becoming contaminated with infectious material. Gowns are primarily used to protect the healthcare worker or other patients if there is direct contact with the patient.

Choice B rationale:

While the nurse should wear a mask if they will be within close proximity to the client, the primary concern in droplet precautions is to prevent the spread of infection from the client, who is the source of the droplets.

Choice C rationale:

The client should wear a mask during transport to contain respiratory secretions and minimize the risk of droplet spread, as droplets can be disseminated by coughing, sneezing, or talking. This is a key component of source control in droplet precautions.

Choice D rationale:

Similar to choice A, the nurse wearing a gown during transport is not a standard requirement for droplet precautions unless there is anticipated contact with the patient or their environment that might result in contamination.

In summary, the primary goal of droplet precautions is to prevent the spread of infections through large respiratory droplets that are expelled by the client. Therefore, having the client wear a mask is the most effective measure among the options provided to reduce the risk of transmission during transport.