A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to undergo thoracentesis. In which of the following positions should the nurse place the client for the procedure?

A. Turn off the ventilator alarms before suctioning the client's airway.

This choice is incorrect because it goes against standard practice. Ventilator alarms are critical for monitoring the patient's respiratory status and detecting any issues with the ventilator or the patient's airway. Turning off alarms before suctioning can lead to missed alarms and potentially dangerous situations for the patient.

B. Provide mouth care every 10 to 12 hr with hydrogen peroxide.

This choice is incorrect because using hydrogen peroxide for mouth care is not recommended. Hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to the mucosa and may cause harm to the patient's oral tissues. Instead, gentle oral care with an appropriate solution, such as a mouthwash specifically designed for oral hygiene in ventilated patients, is preferred. Mouth care should also be provided more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours to maintain oral hygiene and prevent complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia.

C. Place the head of the client's bed at 40° when supine.

This choice is correct. Proper positioning of the patient is crucial for optimizing ventilation and preventing complications such as aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Elevating the head of the bed to 40 degrees when the patient is in a supine position helps to minimize the risk of aspiration by promoting drainage of secretions away from the airway and improving lung expansion.

D. Reposition the client every 4 hr.

This choice is not directly related to care for clients receiving mechanical ventilation. While repositioning the patient every 4 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining skin integrity, it is not specific to mechanical ventilation care. However, it is still an important aspect of overall patient care, particularly for patients who are immobile or confined to bed for extended periods.

A. Place tissue soiled with respiratory secretions in a paper bag for later disposal:

This instruction is not accurate or recommended for managing tissue soiled with respiratory secretions, particularly in the context of tuberculosis (TB) infection. TB is transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets, so proper disposal of contaminated materials is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection. Instead of placing tissue in a paper bag, it should be disposed of in a sealed plastic bag to minimize the risk of transmission. Additionally, individuals with TB should be instructed on proper respiratory hygiene practices, such as covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of infectious droplets.

B. Provide samples for sputum cultures every 6 weeks:

Sputum cultures are an essential component of monitoring and managing tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, obtaining samples every 6 weeks is not frequent enough, especially during the initial phase of treatment. In the early stages of TB treatment, sputum cultures are typically obtained more frequently, often weekly or biweekly, to monitor the response to treatment, assess for drug resistance, and ensure treatment effectiveness. As treatment progresses and the patient's condition stabilizes, the frequency of sputum cultures may be adjusted based on clinical judgment and guidelines.

C. Consume alcohol in moderation while taking antituberculosis medications:

Alcohol consumption is generally discouraged while taking antituberculosis medications. Some antituberculosis drugs, such as isoniazid and rifampin, can interact with alcohol and cause adverse effects, such as liver toxicity or drug metabolism issues. Therefore, individuals undergoing treatment for tuberculosis should be advised to abstain from alcohol consumption or limit it to a minimum to avoid potential complications. Providing instructions on alcohol consumption is an important aspect of tuberculosis management and medication adherence.

D. Wear a mask while out or around crowds of people:

This instruction is crucial for individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets, particularly when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing a mask while out or in crowded settings helps reduce the risk of transmitting infectious droplets to others and is an important infection control measure. It is especially important during the early stages of treatment when the individual is still infectious and shedding bacteria. Proper mask use, along with other respiratory hygiene practices, can help protect both the individual with tuberculosis and those around them from the spread of infection.