A nurse is preparing to obtain a blood specimen from a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Rationale:

A. The nurse positions a client who is postoperative in a semi-Fowler's position: Semi-Fowler's position is commonly used postoperatively to promote lung expansion, prevent aspiration, and support comfort. This is an appropriate nursing action that does not require correction.

B. The nurse performs auscultation of the lungs without lifting the gown: Lung auscultation should always be performed on bare skin to ensure accurate assessment of breath sounds. Clothing can muffle or distort the sounds, potentially leading to misinterpretation or missed abnormalities.

C. The nurse applies a cold compress to reduce localized swelling: Cold therapy is appropriate for managing inflammation, bruising, or swelling in many clinical settings. This demonstrates correct therapeutic intervention and does not indicate a need for further instruction.

D. The nurse uses clean gloves when administering an enema: Clean (non-sterile) gloves are appropriate for enema administration since it is a non-sterile procedure. This action follows standard precautions and is acceptable for routine nursing care.

Rationale:

A. A client who has an open compound fracture of the humerus: This injury requires surgical intervention and has a moderate to high risk of complications. It is typically classified as yellow, indicating delayed care is acceptable but not minor.

B. A client who has multiple facial lacerations: These are superficial injuries that can be treated with simple wound care and suturing. The client is likely stable and ambulatory, fitting the criteria for a green tag, which denotes minor injuries requiring minimal care.

C. A client who has a puncture wound in the right lower lung: This suggests potential internal injury and respiratory compromise. Such a case is urgent and unstable, requiring immediate intervention, and would be tagged red for immediate treatment.

D. A client who has full-thickness burns over the lower extremities: Full-thickness burns covering a large area are life-threatening and resource-intensive to manage. Depending on the extent, this may fall under red or black, depending on survivability and available resources.