A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. The nurse should ensure that the client has signed an informed consent form prior to which of the following procedures? (Select all that apply)

A) Assist in checking a unit of packed RBCS to administer to a client:

Assisting in checking a unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs) for transfusion is within the nurse's scope of practice. Nurses are responsible for verifying blood products before administration, ensuring compatibility, proper labeling, and appropriate handling to prevent transfusion reactions.

B) Regulate the client's infusion pump after initiating a heparin drip infusion:

Regulating the client's infusion pump after initiating a heparin drip infusion falls within the nurse's scope of practice. Nurses commonly administer and monitor intravenous medications, including heparin drips, and are responsible for regulating the infusion pump to deliver the medication at the prescribed rate.

C) Teach a client about hemodialysis:

Teaching a client about hemodialysis is within the nurse's scope of practice. Patient education is a fundamental aspect of nursing care, and nurses often provide information to clients and their families about various healthcare procedures, treatments, and self-care management, including hemodialysis.

D) Create a plan of care for a client's discharge:

Creating a plan of care for a client's discharge is within the nurse's scope of practice. Nurses are involved in discharge planning, which includes coordinating with the healthcare team, assessing the client's needs, providing education about post-discharge care, arranging follow-up appointments, and ensuring a smooth transition to the next level of care or home.

A) Triclosan:

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent commonly found in soaps, hand sanitizers, and other personal care products. While it has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, it is not specifically recommended for hand hygiene in the context of C. difficile infection. Alcohol-based antiseptic rubs are preferred due to their rapid and effective action against C. difficile spores.

B) Chlorhexidine gluconate:

Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antimicrobial agent commonly used as a surgical scrub and skin cleanser. While it is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, its efficacy against C. difficile spores is limited compared to alcohol-based antiseptic rubs. Therefore, it is not the preferred choice for hand hygiene in the context of C. difficile infection.

C) Alcohol-based antiseptic rub:

Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal infection. Alcohol-based antiseptic rubs are not highly effective against C. difficile spores. Thorough handwashing with soap and water has demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to alcohol-based rubs and are preferred for hand hygiene in such situations.

D) Non-antimicrobial soap:

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal infection, and proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing its transmission. While alcohol-based antiseptic rubs are effective against many pathogens, including C. difficile, non-antimicrobial soap and water are preferred for hand hygiene after caring for a client with C. difficile. Non-antimicrobial soap helps to mechanically remove C. difficile spores from the hands, reducing the risk of transmission. Although alcohol-based rubs are convenient and effective in many situations, they may not be as effective as soap and water for removing spores and should be used in conjunction with thorough handwashing when caring for clients with C. difficile.