A nurse is preparing to provide tracheostomy care for a client.

Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A Reason:

Changing a central venous catheter dressing for a client who is receiving IV therapy is correct. Sterile gloves should be used when performing procedures that involve the manipulation of sterile or aseptic areas, such as changing the dressing on a central venous catheter. Maintaining the sterility of the catheter site is crucial to prevent infections in clients receiving IV therapy through central lines.

Choice B Reason:

Instilling an ophthalmic ointment for a client with a corneal abrasion involves applying a medication to the eye is incorrect. While it's important to use clean technique and maintain good hand hygiene, it does not require sterile gloves.

Choice C Reason:

Inserting an NG (nasogastric) tube for enteral feedings is a clean procedure, not a sterile one. Clean gloves are typically used to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of infection, but full sterile technique is not necessary.

Choice D Reason:

Administering an IM (intramuscular) injection also does not require sterile gloves. Clean gloves should be used to maintain infection control, but full sterile technique is not needed for routine IM injections.

Choice A Reason:

Time of last pain medication is correct. This is important for the oncoming nurse to know to ensure timely pain management for the client.

Choice B Reason:

Preferred bath time is incorrect. While it's important to respect the client's preferences, the timing of their bath is typically not as critical to include in the change-of-shift report, especially when compared to more vital information like medication timing.

Choice C Reason:

Admission vital signs is incorrect. Vital signs taken upon admission are usually documented in the client's chart and are not typically included in change-of-shift reports unless there has been a significant change or concern with the client's vital signs during the shift.

Choice D Reason:

Steps required for dressing change is incorrect. While important for the client's care, the specific steps for a dressing change are typically documented in the client's care plan or orders and may not need to be repeated in every shift report unless there's a specific issue or change in the dressing change procedure.