A nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse who is administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to a client. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates a need for the nurse to intervene?

Rationale:

A. Remove stopcocks from IV tubing: Removing stopcocks is not necessary and may compromise IV line function. The priority is to prevent contact with latex-containing components, not to eliminate all IV hardware, as many are latex-free.

B. Disinfect and powder any latex products before use: Powdered latex products increase the risk of airborne latex particles, which can trigger severe allergic reactions. Disinfecting or using powdered latex items is unsafe for clients with latex sensitivity and should be avoided entirely.

C. Tape stockinet over monitoring devices and cords: Covering monitoring devices, cords, and other equipment with a barrier such as stockinet prevents direct contact with latex-containing components. This reduces the risk of an allergic reaction during surgery while allowing the necessary monitoring and functionality to continue safely.

D. Schedule the client as the last surgery of the day: While scheduling considerations may be made to reduce exposure to residual latex or disinfectants, the timing of surgery is not the primary strategy for preventing a reaction. The focus should be on removing or isolating all latex-containing items from the environment.

Rationale for correct choices

• Inspect the child's oropharynx: Vomiting bright red emesis after tonsillectomy indicates possible postoperative hemorrhage. Immediate inspection of the oropharynx allows the nurse to assess the source, amount, and severity of bleeding. Prompt identification of bleeding is critical to prevent hypovolemic shock and guide urgent interventions.

• Obtaining a set of vital signs: Vital signs provide objective data about the child’s hemodynamic status. Tachycardia, hypotension, or altered respiratory rate may indicate significant blood loss. Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation helps determine the urgency of treatment and guides fluid resuscitation or other emergency measures.

Rationale for incorrect choices

• Place the child in a supine position: Placing the child supine could worsen bleeding or increase the risk of aspiration if emesis occurs. Standard care is to maintain the child upright or sitting forward to allow drainage and minimize airway compromise. Supine positioning is not appropriate immediately after post-tonsillectomy bleeding.

• Offer the child a red popsicle: Red-colored foods or drinks can mask the presence of ongoing bleeding, delaying recognition of hemorrhage. It is unsafe to offer red popsicles until bleeding is ruled out and the child is stable. Non-red liquids or clear fluids are safer during assessment.

• Encouraging the child to cough and deep breathe: While coughing and deep breathing are important for postoperative respiratory care, they are contraindicated if active bleeding is suspected. Coughing could dislodge clots and exacerbate hemorrhage. Airway safety and hemodynamic assessment take priority.

• Requesting a prescription for codeine: Administering codeine for pain is inappropriate in the presence of suspected bleeding because opioids can mask symptoms and depress respirations. Pain management should be secondary to stabilization and assessment of hemorrhage risk.