A nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient experiencing insulin shock. What is the best method for administering the medication?

Choice A rationale

While it is essential to assess how the client copes with auditory hallucinations, asking this question alone does not provide specific information about the content of the hallucinations.

Choice B rationale

The timing of the voices can provide some insight into the triggers or patterns of the hallucinations, but it does not directly address the content or potential impact of the hallucinations on the client’s behavior or mental state.

Choice C rationale

While medication efficacy is an important aspect of managing schizophrenia, it does not directly address the current experience of the client’s hallucinations.

Choice D rationale

Understanding what the voices are saying to the client can provide critical information about potential risks, including self-harm or harm to others, and can guide the treatment plan. This is why it is the most important question for the nurse to include in the client’s assessment.

The correct answer is choiceB. Confirm that the gown is tied securely at the neck and waist.

Choice A rationale:

Reminding the UAP to wash hands frequently while in the room is important for infection control, but it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The UAP has already donned gloves, which are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for contact precautions. Hand hygiene is crucial before and after patient contact and after removing gloves, but ensuring the gown is properly secured takes precedence to prevent contamination.

Choice B rationale:

Confirming that the gown is tied securely at the neck and waist is essential to ensure that the UAP is fully protected from potential contamination.A properly secured gown prevents the UAP’s clothing from coming into contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces, which is critical in maintaining effective contact precautions.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the UAP with the application of a face mask or face shield is necessary for droplet or airborne precautions, not specifically for contact precautions.Since the scenario involves contact precautions, the focus should be on the gown and gloves.

Choice D rationale:

Helping the UAP reposition the gown sleeve over the glove edges is not necessary because the UAP has already secured the tops of the gloves over the gown sleeves.This method is appropriate as it prevents the sleeves from becoming contaminated.