A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has genital herpes.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Rigid abdomen. A rigid abdomen is not typically associated with placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, and it is more likely to present with painless vaginal bleeding rather than abdominal rigidity.

Choice B rationale:

Persistent uterine contractions. Persistent uterine contractions are not a characteristic finding in placenta previa. In fact, uterine contractions can be concerning in the presence of placenta previa as they may increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Bright red vaginal bleeding. Bright red vaginal bleeding is a common and hallmark symptom of placenta previa. This bleeding typically occurs without pain and can be intermittent or continuous. It is essential to recognize this symptom promptly because it can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications.

Choice D rationale:

Increased fetal movement. Increased fetal movement is not a typical finding in placenta previa. The presence or absence of fetal movement should always be monitored during pregnancy, but it is not a specific indicator of placenta previa.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should include the instruction to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds in the teaching. This is a fundamental aspect of hand hygiene in healthcare settings. The rationale for this choice is that proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms from the hands. It helps prevent the spread of infections, including those caused by viruses and bacteria.

Choice B rationale:

Wearing sterile gloves when in contact with body fluids is not directly related to hand hygiene education. While wearing gloves is an essential infection control practice, it is not a substitute for proper handwashing. Hand hygiene should be performed before donning gloves and after removing them.

Choice C rationale:

Using alcohol-based cleanser when hands are visibly soiled is not the best instruction for hand hygiene. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective when hands are not visibly soiled. In cases of visible soiling, handwashing with soap and water is recommended to physically remove dirt and contaminants.

Choice D rationale:

Artificial nails should not be worn when performing direct client care as they can harbor microorganisms and make it challenging to clean the hands adequately. The use of artificial nails can increase the risk of transmitting infections to patients, which is why they should be discouraged in healthcare settings.