A nurse is providing home safety information for an older adult client who uses a cane. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Apply a warm compress to the IV site: While warm compresses can sometimes help alleviate discomfort associated with certain IV complications, such as phlebitis or infiltration, they should not be applied until the cause of the pain is identified. In this case, removing the IV saline lock is the priority action to assess the site properly.

B. Remove the IV saline lock: Pain above the catheter site during flushing may indicate infiltration or phlebitis, both of which require intervention. Removing the IV saline lock allows the nurse to assess the site for signs of complications such as swelling, redness, or coolness to the touch. Once removed, the nurse can then determine the appropriate course of action, such as reinserting the IV at a different site, applying warm compresses, or notifying the healthcare provider if further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

C. Inject the solution more slowly while flushing the IV saline lock: Injecting the solution more slowly may reduce discomfort during flushing, but it does not address the underlying cause of the pain. If there is infiltration or another issue with the IV site, continuing to flush slowly could exacerbate the problem.

D. Apply firm pressure to the plunger of the syringe during the IV flush to improve patency: Applying firm pressure to the plunger of the syringe during flushing is not appropriate when the client reports pain above the catheter site. This action could potentially force fluid into surrounding tissues, worsening infiltration or causing additional discomfort. It is essential to address the pain and assess the IV site before attempting to flush the saline lock again.

B) Placing clean linen that touched the floor in the soiled linen bag: This action demonstrates an understanding of infection control principles because it prevents cross-contamination between clean and soiled linens. Placing clean linens that have come into contact with the floor in the soiled linen bag reduces the risk of spreading pathogens and maintains a clean environment for the client.

A) Placing the soiled linen on the floor before bagging it: This action increases the risk of contamination by exposing the linen to potentially contaminated surfaces. Placing soiled linen on the floor can spread pathogens and is not consistent with infection control practices.

C) Holding the soiled linen against her body while carrying it to the linen bag: This action increases the risk of contamination to the AP's clothing and skin. Contact with soiled linen can transfer pathogens to the caregiver's body, leading to the potential spread of infection.

D) Shaking the soiled linen to remove any toilet paper remnants: This action can aerosolize fecal matter and spread pathogens into the air and onto nearby surfaces. Shaking soiled linen increases the risk of contamination and is not recommended as part of infection control practices.