A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A rationale:

Scheduling the client for the last surgery of the day is not directly related to the client's latex allergy. Proper planning for surgery in a latex-allergic client involves addressing potential exposures to latex-containing products and minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.

Choice B rationale:

Placing monitoring cords and tubes in a stockinette can help create a barrier between the client's skin and the latex-containing products. This measure helps reduce the risk of direct contact with latex, which could trigger an allergic reaction in a latex-sensitive individual.

Choice C rationale:

Choosing rubber injection ports for fluid administration is not appropriate for a client with a latex allergy. Rubber products often contain latex, which can lead to an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.

Choice D rationale:

Having phenytoin IV readily available is not directly relevant to a client with a latex allergy. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication and should be available for clients who require it, but it does not address the specific concern of latex exposure.

Choice A rationale:
Papilledema refers to swelling of the optic disc in the eye, which can occur due to increased intracranial pressure. While it may be present in cases of basilar skull fracture, it is not a reliable finding for determining the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Choice B rationale:
The halo sign is a reliable finding for determining that the nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid. The halo sign is characterized by a ring of blood surrounded by a clear or yellowish fluid (CSF) on a dressing or tissue. This occurs because blood from the fracture mixes with the clear CSF, creating a distinct appearance.
Choice C rationale:
Racoon's eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, is a term used to describe bruising around the eyes. While it can be seen in basilar skull fractures, it is not specific to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and, therefore, not reliable for identifying the nasal discharge as CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated white blood cells (WBCs) in the nasal discharge can indicate infection, inflammation, or an immune response. However, it does not provide direct evidence that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid, so this is not a reliable finding for determining the nature of the nasal discharge in this context.