A nurse is caring for an older adult client who states, "I can't pay for my care because my kid took all my money." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Answer: D. "Clean the prosthesis using a damp, soapy cloth."

Rationale:

A. "Keep initial pressure dressing in place for 1 week after surgery":
The pressure dressing is typically changed more frequently to monitor the incision site for signs of infection and to ensure appropriate healing. Keeping it in place for a week without monitoring could increase the risk of infection and complications.

B. "Leave the prosthesis in place when going to bed":
It is generally recommended to remove the prosthesis at night to allow the residual limb to rest and prevent skin irritation or pressure sores. Leaving it on overnight can lead to unnecessary strain on the limb.

C. "Avoid extension of the hips when lying down":
Clients should actually avoid prolonged hip flexion, not extension, as it can lead to hip contractures. Instead, they should try to lie prone periodically to stretch the hip and reduce the risk of contracture formation.

D. "Clean the prosthesis using a damp, soapy cloth":
Using a damp, soapy cloth to clean the prosthesis helps maintain hygiene and prevents skin irritation. It's important to keep the prosthesis clean to avoid any buildup of bacteria or dirt, which can affect both the device and the residual limb’s health.

Answer: D

Rationale:

A) Collect 2 mL of sputum in an emesis basin: Collecting sputum in an emesis basin is inappropriate for laboratory testing. The sputum should be collected directly into a sterile container to prevent contamination. This ensures that the culture and sensitivity results are accurate and reflect the client's true respiratory pathogens.

B) Instruct the client to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash prior to specimen collection: Using an antiseptic mouthwash before collecting a sputum sample is not recommended because it may alter the flora present in the sputum, leading to inaccurate culture results. Instead, the client should rinse their mouth with plain water to clear excess saliva or food debris.

C) Swab the oropharynx with a sterile swab: Swabbing the oropharynx does not obtain sputum from the lungs but instead gathers a sample from the throat, which may not be reflective of lower respiratory infections. A proper sputum sample is produced through a deep cough to collect material directly from the lungs.

D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory: Refrigerating the sputum specimen helps to preserve its integrity by preventing the overgrowth of bacteria or other pathogens until it can be transported to the laboratory. Proper refrigeration ensures that the culture and sensitivity results remain accurate.