A nurse is performing postmortem care for a client who was a devout Muslim. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

Placing the drainage system below the client's chest level is appropriate. This positioning allows for proper drainage and prevents the backflow of fluid or air into the chest. Maintaining the drainage system below the chest level helps ensure effective evacuation of air or fluid from the pleural space.

Choice B Reason:

Looping excess tubing next to the client's side is inappropriate. Looping excess tubing can create dependent loops, potentially causing fluid to accumulate in these areas and compromising the drainage system's effectiveness.

Choice C Reason:

Clamping the tubing when ambulating the client is inappropriate. Chest tube drainage systems should not be routinely clamped during ambulation. Clamping can lead to increased pleural pressure, potentially causing tension pneumothorax or other complications.

Choice D Reason:

Milking the client's tubing every shift is inappropriate. Milking or stripping the tubing is not recommended, as it can create a pressure gradient that may damage the lung tissue or disrupt the chest tube's seal. Passive drainage is preferred to maintain the negative pressure in the system.

Choice A Reason:

Discontinuing supplements containing vitamin C 24 hr before the test is appropriate. This is not necessary for fecal occult blood testing. However, vitamin C supplements should be avoided before certain stool tests that use a chemical reaction involving guaiac.

Choice B Reason:

Placing a thick layer of stool on the specimen card is inappropriate. The client should apply a small amount of stool to the designated area on the specimen card. A thick layer is not required, and excess stool may interfere with the test.

Choice C Reason:

Urinating prior to collecting the stool specimen is appropriate. This instruction is important because it helps prevent contamination of the stool specimen with urine, which could potentially interfere with the accuracy of the test results.

Choice D Reason:

Refraining from consuming pork 7 days before the test is inappropriate. There is no need for the client to avoid consuming pork specifically for fecal occult blood testing. The instructions usually focus on dietary restrictions that could affect the presence of blood in the stool, such as avoiding red meat or certain medications.