A nurse is reinforcing teaching about self-administration of nasal drops with a client. Which of the following positions should the nurse recommend for instillation of the drops?

c. The bedroom extension cord is placed under a heavy nightstand.

The nurse should intervene and address the placement of the bedroom extension cord under a heavy nightstand. This poses a safety hazard as it increases the risk of electrical fire or tripping. The nurse shouldmeducate the client about the importance of using proper outlets and avoiding the use of extension cords in general, especially when they are hidden under heavy furniture.

Options a, b, and d do not require immediate intervention by the nurse:

a. The television set turned to a loud volume can be addressed by educating the client about the potential risks of prolonged exposure to loud noises and providing guidance on appropriate volume levels.

b. The presence of low chairs with no armrests in the dining room may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless there are specific safety concerns related to the client's mobility or balance. The nurse may provide general recommendations for safer seating options, especially if the client is at risk of falls or has difficulty getting up from low chairs.

d. The presence of wall-to-wall carpeting in the living room is a common feature in many homes and does not necessarily pose a safety hazard. However, the nurse may discuss general home safety measures, such as keeping the carpet clean and free of tripping hazards, especially for clients with mobility issues.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale:

• While maintaining a distance of 3 feet can reduce the risk of direct contact transmission, it is not the most effective measure for contact isolation precautions.
• Contact isolation aims to prevent the spread of pathogens that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the infected person or contaminated objects.
• A distance of 3 feet may not be sufficient to prevent transmission via droplets or fomites (inanimate objects that can harbor infectious agents).

Choice B rationale:

• Sterile gloves are not routinely required for contact isolation precautions.
• They are primarily used for sterile procedures or when there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
• For contact isolation, standard clean gloves are usually sufficient to protect against transmission via direct contact.

Choice C rationale:

• Leaving equipment that is used routinely in the client's room is a crucial part of contact isolation precautions.
• This practice prevents the spread of infection by minimizing the movement of potentially contaminated items outside of the isolation room.
• Equipment like stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and thermometers should be dedicated to the client's use and not shared with other patients.

Choice D rationale:

• Negative-pressure airflow rooms are used for airborne isolation precautions, which are designed to prevent the spread of pathogens that can be transmitted through the air.
• Contact isolation does not specifically require a negative-pressure room, as the primary mode of transmission is through direct or indirect contact, not airborne particles.