A nurse is reinforcing teaching about high-potassium foods with a client. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason:Soiled wound care supplies from an infectious wound should always be discarded inside the client’s room to prevent the spread of infection. Removing contaminated materials outside increases the risk of exposing other areas and individuals to harmful pathogens. According to CDC guidelines, all infectious waste, including soiled dressings and gloves, should be placed in a designated biohazard container within the room to ensure proper containment. Healthcare workers should also follow standard and contact precautions, including wearing gloves and performing hand hygiene immediately after disposal. Proper waste management within the client’s room is essential for infection control and preventing cross-contamination.

Choice B reason:
While instructing visitors to perform hand hygiene is important, the duration of 5 seconds is insufficient. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove germs. Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings.

Choice C reason:
Administering antibiotic therapy before obtaining a culture from the client's wound could potentially alter the results of the culture, making it difficult to identify the causative organism. It is essential to culture the wound before starting antibiotics to ensure appropriate and targeted treatment, which can lead to better outcomes and prevent antibiotic resistance.

Choice D reason:
Assigning the client to a private room with a dedicated bathroom is a critical step in preventing cross-contamination and safeguarding other patients and healthcare personnel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that patients requiring Contact Precautions, such as those with wound infections, be placed in a single-patient room to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious agents.

Choice A Reason:
Initiating contact precautions for a client with viral meningitis is not typically necessary. Viral meningitis is less contagious than bacterial meningitis and is usually spread through fecal contamination or respiratory secretions. Standard precautions are generally sufficient unless there is a specific outbreak or the patient has enterovirus meningitis.

Choice B Reason:
Monitoring the client's temperature every 6 hours is important for detecting fever, which can be a sign of worsening infection or an adverse reaction to medication. However, this is a standard nursing intervention for many conditions and not specific to the care of a client with viral meningitis.

Choice C Reason:
Measuring the client's intake and output every 8 hours is a standard practice for monitoring fluid balance, especially in clients who may be at risk of cerebral edema or dehydration. While important, it is not the most specific intervention for viral meningitis care.

Choice D Reason:
Dimming the lighting in the client's room is a specific intervention for viral meningitis care. Clients with meningitis often experience photophobia, or sensitivity to light, which can exacerbate headaches and other discomforts. Providing a dimly lit or dark room can help alleviate this symptom and is a recommended practice.