A nurse is conducting a health promotion class about the use of oral contraceptives. Which of the following disorders is a contraindication for oral contraceptive use?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Self-harm: The client expresses suicidal ideation influenced by delusions, indicating a strong risk of acting on these impulses. In schizophrenia, command hallucinations are particularly dangerous when they involve instructions to harm oneself.
• Command hallucinations: The client reports hearing voices directing them to act, which is a hallmark of command hallucinations. These are associated with a heightened risk of harm to self or others, especially when the client appears fearful or paranoid, as in this case.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Palming medications: Although the client is suspicious and refuses medication (“I’m not letting you poison me”), there is no evidence yet of palming or hiding pills. The agitation could indicate refusal, but not covert medication avoidance.
• Poor hygiene: While the client shows confusion regarding bathing and clothing, these are not the most immediate safety threats compared to suicide risk. Poor hygiene is a concern in schizophrenia but not the most critical issue at this time.
• Impaired memory: Impaired memory is evident (e.g., forgetting routines), but this is not directly linked to a life-threatening risk. Memory issues can affect functioning but don’t explain the urgency of the client’s safety threat.
• Distractibility: The client appears distracted at times (e.g., during dressing), but distractibility alone does not account for the risk of self-harm. It contributes to disorganization but is not the main safety concern.

Rationale:

A. Insert the catheter into the foot: While the scalp and foot veins may be used in infants, foot veins are less preferred in mobile infants due to the risk of dislodgement. Site selection should prioritize accessible and secure veins, often in the hand or scalp.

B. Obtain a 24-gauge catheter: A 24-gauge catheter is the appropriate size for infants due to their small and delicate veins. It minimizes trauma during insertion and allows for adequate flow while reducing the risk of vein damage.

C. Use gauze to cover the IV insertion site: Transparent dressings, not gauze, are preferred for covering IV sites in infants. They allow for continuous visualization of the site to detect signs of infiltration or infection promptly.

D. Monitor the IV site every 8 hours: IV sites in infants should be monitored much more frequently due to their higher risk of infiltration, dislodgement, or phlebitis. Hourly monitoring is standard practice, especially in high-acuity or pediatric settings.