A nurse is preparing to initiate IV access for an older adult client. Which of the following sites should the nurse select when initiating the IV for this client?

- Seizure precautions are measures taken to protect a client who is at risk of having a seizure, which is a sudden and abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movement, sensation, or consciousness. Seizure precautions include providing a safe environment, monitoring the client's vital signs and neurological status, administering anticonvulsant medications, and documenting the onset, duration, and characteristics of any seizure activity.

- One of the potential complications of a seizure is aspiration, which is the inhalation of foreign material into the lungs, such as saliva, vomit, or food. Aspiration can cause choking, pneumonia, or respiratory distress. To prevent or treat aspiration, the practical nurse (PN) should ensure the ready availability of equipment to perform suctioning of the trachea, which is the tube that connects the mouth and nose to the lungs. Suctioning of the trachea involves inserting a catheter through the nose or mouth into the trachea and applying negative pressure to remove any secretions or debris from the airway.
- Therefore, option A is the correct answer, while options B, C, and D are incorrect.
Option B is incorrect because inserting a urinary catheter is not related to seizure precautions or aspiration prevention.
Option C is incorrect because applying soft restraints may not be necessary or appropriate for a client who requires seizure precautions, as they may interfere with the natural movements of the seizure or cause injury to the client.
Option D is incorrect because inserting a nasogastric tube is not related to seizure precautions or aspiration prevention.

Choice A reason:

"I should gargle with an alcohol-based mouthwash to kill germs”. This statement is not appropriate. Using an alcohol-based mouthwash is not recommended for a client with stomatitis. Alcohol can be irritating to the already inflamed mucous membranes and may worsen the condition. Instead, the client should use a mild, non-alcohol-based mouthwash or rinse as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Choice B option

"I should limit my intake of dairy products to prevent nausea." This statement is not appropriate. While some clients may experience nausea during radiation therapy, limiting dairy products is not specifically related to stomatitis management. The client should follow any dietary recommendations provided by the healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to address nausea or other dietary concerns.

Choice C option

"I should moisten my lips with lemon-glycerine swabs." This is incorrect because lemon-glycerine swabs can be drying and irritating to the oral mucosa, which may exacerbate stomatitis symptoms. Instead, using a gentle, non-irritating lip balm or petroleum jelly is preferred.

Choice D option

"I should use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean my teeth after meals." This response indicates an understanding of the teaching because a soft-bristle toothbrush is gentle on the gums and oral tissues, which is important for a client with stomatitis, as it helps to minimize irritation and injury.