A nurse is caring for a group of clients in a long-term care facility. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent healthcare-associated infections for these clients? (Select all that apply.)

The correct answer is choice B. Client states, "I started to itch after taking that medication."

Choice A rationale:

"Client is itching from medication." This statement is not a comprehensive description of the situation and lacks specific information. It doesn't provide any context about when the itching occurred or the client's own observation.

Choice B rationale:

"Client states, 'I started to itch after taking that medication.'" This choice is the correct answer because it accurately documents the client's own statement about the itching and the timing in relation to taking the medication. It includes a direct quote, which helps in maintaining accurate and patient-centered documentation.

Choice C rationale:

"It appears that the client has a rash from the medication." This statement includes an assumption and subjective language ("It appears"), which can be misleading in documentation. It's essential to provide factual and objective information in medical records.

Choice D rationale:

"Rash from medication noted." This choice lacks detail and doesn't capture the client's perspective or the timing of the symptom. It's important to include the client's statement and the time frame in which the symptom occurred.

The correct answer is Choice A - Measure the client's gastric residual before each feeding.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse's first action in caring for a client receiving intermittent enteral feedings should be to measure the client's gastric residual before each feeding. Gastric residual volume helps assess the client's tolerance to enteral feedings and can indicate delayed gastric emptying or potential complications like aspiration. If the residual volume is high, the nurse can collaborate with the healthcare team to determine whether to hold the feeding, adjust the feeding rate, or take other appropriate actions to ensure the client's safety and optimal nutritional status.

Choice B rationale:

Changing the enteral feeding bag and tubing every 24 hours is important to maintain the sterility and integrity of the feeding system. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The priority is to assess the client's tolerance to the feeding by measuring gastric residuals, which helps prevent complications.

Choice C rationale:

Documenting intake and output is a crucial aspect of nursing care for all clients, including those receiving enteral feedings. However, in the context of intermittent enteral feedings, measuring gastric residuals before each feeding is a more immediate and specific action to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

Choice D rationale:

Flushing the tubing with 30 mL of water after each feeding is important to prevent clogging and maintain the patency of the enteral feeding tube. However, this action is secondary to measuring gastric residuals, which directly assesses the client's tolerance to the feedings and helps prevent complications.