A nurse is providing care to a client who is immunocompromised.
Which of the following should the nurse identify as a possible source of infection?

The correct answers are C and D.

Choice A reason: Preferred bath time is a personal preference and comfort-related aspect of patient care. While it is important for overall patient satisfaction and care planning, it is not critical information for a change-of-shift report following a total knee arthroscopy. The focus in such reports is typically on clinical status, immediate care needs, and potential complications.

Choice B reason: Admission vital signs are the initial measurements taken upon the patient’s admission to the healthcare facility. These are baseline values that can be referenced later to note any significant changes. However, for a change-of-shift report, especially 2 days postoperative, the most current vital signs and any changes since surgery are more pertinent than the admission values.

Choice C reason: The time of the last pain medication is crucial information for a change-of-shift report. Pain management is a key aspect of postoperative care, particularly after procedures like total knee arthroscopy. Knowing when the last dose was administered helps the incoming nurse manage the patient’s pain effectively and anticipate when the next dose is due.

Choice D reason: The steps required for dressing change are essential to include in the change-of-shift report. Proper wound care and dressing changes are vital to prevent infection and ensure proper healing after surgery. Detailed instructions on the dressing change process help maintain consistency in care between different caregivers.

Choice A rationale:

Injecting additional insulin before exercising is not a recommended practice for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during exercise. The goal is to ensure that blood glucose levels are within a safe range before starting physical activity.

Choice B rationale:

Eating a piece of fruit before exercising is a suitable recommendation for someone with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Consuming a source of carbohydrates, such as fruit, can help prevent hypoglycemia during exercise. Carbohydrates provide a steady source of glucose for energy.

Choice C rationale:

Exercising when insulin is at its peak action can be risky for individuals with type 1 diabetes. At this time, the risk of hypoglycemia is higher because insulin is actively lowering blood sugar levels. It is generally recommended to exercise when insulin is at a moderate or lower level of activity to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding protein before exercising is not a specific recommendation for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. While protein does not directly impact blood glucose levels as carbohydrates do, it is an essential nutrient for overall health. A balanced meal or snack that includes carbohydrates and protein is typically a better choice before exercise.