A nurse is collecting data on a client who has swelling of the lower leg. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is a manifestation of compartment syndrome?

Answer: (D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory

Rationale:

A) Collect 2 ml of sputum in an emesis basin: While it is important to collect an adequate volume of sputum, using an emesis basin is inappropriate for collecting a specimen for culture and sensitivity. Sputum must be collected in a sterile container to avoid contamination, ensuring the accuracy of the culture results.

B) Instruct the client to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash prior to specimen collection: Using an antiseptic mouthwash before collecting a sputum specimen is not recommended, as it could contaminate the sample with antiseptic agents, potentially affecting the growth of microorganisms in the culture. The client should rinse with plain water instead.

C) Swab the oropharynx with a sterile swab: Swabbing the oropharynx is more appropriate for collecting a throat culture rather than a sputum specimen. Sputum collection requires the client to expectorate mucus from the lower respiratory tract, not from the oropharynx, to obtain an accurate sample for culture and sensitivity.

D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory: Refrigerating the sputum specimen is crucial to preserve the integrity of the sample and inhibit the growth of contaminants before it is transported to the laboratory. This action helps ensure that the results of the culture and sensitivity test are accurate.

The presence of alcohol on a nurse's breath raises concerns regarding impairment and the potential for compromised patient safety. It is crucial to prioritize patient safety and prevent any potential harm. Removing the nurse from the client care area ensures that immediate patient safety is addressed and minimizes the risk of any adverse events.

Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse: While involving the supervisor is important, it should not be the first action taken in this situation. The immediate priority is to address patient safety by removing the nurse from the client care area.

Assign clients to the remaining staff: Assigning clients to the remaining staff should not be the first action taken because it may compromise patient safety if the nurse in question is impaired. It is important to ensure that the nurse is removed from the client care area before reassigning the clients to other staff members.

Document objective findings about the situation: Documenting the objective findings about the situation is important for accurate record-keeping and reporting. However, it should not be the first action taken when immediate patient safety is at stake. Removing the nurse from the client care area is the priority.