A nurse is delegating tasks to assistive personnel. Which of the following should the nurse consider when using one of the five rights of delegation?

Choice A reason: Decreasing bright lights is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to reduce the photophobia (sensitivity to light) and headache that are common symptoms of the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it does not prevent the transmission of the infection or treat the underlying cause.

Choice B reason: Initiating IV access is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it facilitates the administration of fluids, medications, and blood products that may be needed to manage the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it does not prevent the transmission of the infection or treat the underlying cause.

Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to treat the bacterial infection that is the most common cause of the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it requires a prescription from the health care provider and confirmation of the diagnosis by laboratory tests such as blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Choice D reason: Implementing droplet precautions is the first priority action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to prevent the spread of the infection to other clients and staff members. Droplet precautions are a type of isolation precautions that are used for infections that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, such as meningitis, influenza, and pertussis. Droplet precautions involve wearing a surgical mask when entering the client's room, placing the client in a private room or cohorting with other clients who have the same infection, and limiting visitors and staff contact with the client.

Choice A reason: Proactive prevention is not a level of prevention, but rather a type of prevention that involves taking action before a problem occurs or worsens. It can be applied to any level of prevention, such as primary, secondary, or tertiary.

Choice B reason: Secondary prevention is a level of prevention that involves detecting and treating diseases or injuries early before they cause significant complications or disabilities. It includes activities such as screening tests, diagnostic tests, or medications.

Choice C reason: Tertiary prevention is a level of prevention that involves reducing the impact and consequences of diseases or injuries that have already occurred and caused damage or impairment. It includes activities such as rehabilitation, surgery, or palliative care.

Choice D reason: Primary prevention is a level of prevention that involves preventing diseases or injuries from occurring in the first place, by eliminating or reducing risk factors or enhancing protective factors. It includes activities such as immunization, education, or lifestyle modification. Advising a client with osteoporosis to have three servings of milk or dairy products daily is an example of primary prevention because it aims to prevent further bone loss and fractures by increasing calcium intake.