A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following equipment should the nurse ensure that the client has available at home prior to discharge?

Choice A rationale:
An elevated WBC count (11,000/mm²) in a client starting treatment for MRSA infection may indicate an inflammatory response, but it is expected in this scenario, and the priority is not as high as other critical lab values.
Choice B rationale:
A serum pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication that can lead to metabolic acidosis. This lab result is a priority as it requires immediate attention.
Choice C rationale:
Hematocrit of 26% in a client with sickle cell disease might be low, but it is not the priority over the critically abnormal lab value of serum pH in option B.
Choice D rationale:
A urine specific gravity of 1.032 in a client diagnosed with dehydration is elevated, indicating concentrated urine due to dehydration. While dehydration is concerning, it is not as high-priority as the potentially life-threatening acidosis in option B.

Choice A rationale:

While wearing a protective gown is essential to minimize exposure to bodily fluids and to ensure the nurse's protection, it is not specifically aimed at decreasing the risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The key interventions to prevent VAP focus on maintaining airway hygiene and proper positioning, not just personal protective equipment during suctioning.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring oral secretions every 2 hours is an important strategy in reducing the risk of VAP. Accumulation of secretions in the mouth and upper airway can promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of aspiration and infection. By regularly assessing and removing secretions, the nurse can reduce the chances of bacteria being aspirated into the lungs and causing pneumonia.

Choice C rationale:

Oral care every 2 hours is a critical intervention to reduce the risk of VAP. Mechanical ventilation predisposes clients to the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity, and poor oral hygiene increases the risk of oral bacteria being aspirated into the lungs. Regular oral care, including brushing teeth, gums, and the tongue, as well as using antiseptic solutions, helps reduce the microbial load in the mouth and decreases the risk of VAP.

Choice D rationale:

Maintaining a client in a supine position is not recommended for preventing VAP. The best practice is to maintain the head of the bed elevated at a 30-45 degree angle (semi-Fowler's position) to reduce the risk of aspiration. A supine position increases the likelihood of gastric contents or secretions being aspirated into the lungs, which can lead to VAP.

Choice E rationale:

Assessing the client daily for readiness for extubation is an essential practice in preventing VAP. The longer a patient remains intubated, the higher the risk of developing VAP due to prolonged exposure of the endotracheal tube in the airway. Regular assessment for extubation helps to ensure that the client is appropriately weaned off the ventilator as soon as they are stable, reducing the risk of VAP and other complications associated with prolonged ventilation.