A nurse is planning to administer medication to a client who has a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take to prevent the transmission of this infection to others?

The correct answer is choice A.

Choice A rationale:

Count the client's radial and apical pulses simultaneously with another nurse. Rationale: In the presence of an irregular heart rate, a pulse deficit might indicate a discrepancy between the peripheral (radial) and central (apical) pulses. Counting the pulses simultaneously with another nurse helps to accurately assess this deficit. By comparing the two pulse rates, the nurse can identify if there is a difference, which might indicate inadequate circulation or irregular heartbeats that aren't effectively transmitting to the peripheral arteries.

Choice B rationale:

Calculate the client's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Rationale: While calculating the pulse rate for 30 seconds and then multiplying by 2 is a valid method to determine the heart rate, it doesn't address the specific concern of a pulse deficit. This approach might help in assessing the overall heart rate but doesn't provide information about potential irregularities or discrepancies between peripheral and central pulses.

Choice C rationale:

Assist the client to a side-lying position. Rationale: Assisting the client to a side-lying position doesn't directly relate to the assessment of a pulse deficit. The position of the client wouldn't significantly impact the assessment of irregular heart rates or pulse deficits.

Choice D rationale:

Auscultate the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point. Rationale: Auscultating the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point is a technique used to assess heart sounds, particularly the S2 heart sound. This technique is not relevant to assessing a pulse deficit. It can provide information about heart valve function but doesn't help in evaluating a discrepancy between peripheral and central pulses.

The correct answer is choice d. Actual loss.

Choice A rationale: Complicated grief refers to an intense and prolonged period of mourning that interferes with daily life. It is not typically associated with the immediate postoperative period following a mastectomy.

Choice B rationale: Maturational loss is related to the normal life transitions and developmental changes, such as children leaving home or retirement. It does not apply to the loss experienced after a mastectomy.

Choice C rationale: Disenfranchised grief occurs when a person’s grief is not socially recognized or supported, such as the loss of a pet or an ex-spouse. While the grief after a mastectomy can be profound, it is generally acknowledged and supported by healthcare providers and society.

Choice D rationale: Actual loss refers to the tangible loss of a person, object, or body part. In this case, the client is experiencing the loss of a breast, which is a significant and visible change to their body. This type of loss can deeply affect a person’s self-image and emotional well-being.