A nurse is collecting data about a client's circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid checking bilaterally at the same time?

Choice A reason: Urinary catheterization is a well-known risk factor for HAIs, particularly catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The use of indwelling urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and is associated with a significant proportion of HAIs.

Choice B reason: While malnutrition can affect the immune system and increase the risk of infections, it is not a direct cause of HAIs. Good nutritional status is important for wound healing and infection prevention, but it does not cause HAIs by itself.

Choice C reason: Having multiple caregivers can increase the risk of transmitting infections, especially if hand hygiene and other infection control practices are not consistently followed. However, it is not considered a direct cause of HAIs like urinary catheterization is.

Choice D reason: Chlorhexidine washes are actually used as a preventive measure against HAIs, particularly in reducing the risk of surgical site infections. They are not a cause of HAIs but rather part of the solution to prevent them.

Choice A reason: Putting on sterile gloves is not necessary before palpating the abdomen. Sterile gloves are typically used for procedures that require an aseptic technique, such as inserting a catheter or performing a surgical procedure. Palpation of the abdomen is a non-sterile procedure, and clean gloves are usually sufficient to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.

Choice B reason: Elevating the client's head is not a standard preparatory step before palpating the abdomen. While it may be necessary to adjust the client's position for comfort or to assess certain areas, the head elevation is not specifically related to the palpation process. The client should be in a supine position with knees slightly bent to relax the abdominal muscles, which facilitates palpation.

Choice C reason: Percussion of all four quadrants is part of the abdominal assessment but is not the step that precedes palpation. Percussion is used to assess the size and density of abdominal organs, detect the presence of fluid or gas, and evaluate tenderness. However, the correct sequence of abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and then palpation.

Choice D reason: Auscultating bowel sounds is the correct action before palpating the abdomen. This is because palpation can alter bowel motility, which may change the sounds heard. Auscultation should be performed after inspection and before percussion and palpation to obtain an accurate assessment of bowel activity. Normal bowel sounds range from 5 to 30 per minute and are characterized by clicks and gurgles.