A nurse is inserting an NG tube for a client who has a new prescription for enteral feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to verify the placement of the client's tube? (Select all that apply.).

Choice A rationale:

When leaving a client's isolation room, the nurse should remove gloves (Choice A) first. Gloves are considered contaminated and can harbor microorganisms. Removing them first helps prevent the spread of potential pathogens to other surfaces or items while removing other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Choice B rationale:

Goggles (Choice B) protect the eyes from splashes and airborne particles. However, they should be removed after gloves. Gloves have a higher potential for contamination due to direct contact with the client and the environment.

Choice C rationale:

Removing the gown (Choice C) should follow the removal of gloves and goggles. The gown provides a barrier against potential contaminants and should be taken off to prevent self-contamination while disrobing from other PPE.

Choice D rationale:

The mask (Choice D) should be removed last. It provides respiratory protection and prevents the nurse from inhaling airborne particles. Keeping the mask on while removing other PPE items helps maintain a barrier against potential exposure to respiratory pathogens.

Choice A rationale:

Performing oral care once each day is not sufficient to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilated patients are at an increased risk of developing VAP due to the presence of an endotracheal tube that bypasses the body's natural defenses. Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia. Therefore, performing oral care only once a day is inadequate for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing VAP.

Choice B rationale:

Brushing the client's teeth with a firm-bristle toothbrush can cause trauma to the oral tissues, potentially leading to bleeding and irritation. In critically ill patients with an endotracheal tube, using a firm-bristle toothbrush can exacerbate the risk of infection and VAP. It is essential to use gentle and non-traumatic methods for oral care to maintain the integrity of the oral mucosa.

Choice C rationale:

Swabbing the client's mouth with chlorhexidine solution is the correct choice. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic solution that effectively reduces the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular use of chlorhexidine mouthwash has been shown to decrease the risk of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, the risk of aspiration and subsequent pneumonia is lowered, making it a crucial intervention for preventing VAP.

Choice D rationale:

Raising the head of the bed by 15° for oral care is an important measure to prevent aspiration during oral care. However, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of VAP. While proper head positioning helps prevent the entry of oral secretions into the lower respiratory tract, it must be combined with effective oral hygiene practices, such as using chlorhexidine solution, to comprehensively reduce the risk of VAP.