A nurse is reviewing transmission precautions with an assistive personnel (AP) who is providing care for a client who has a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following statements by the AP indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Justice refers to the fair distribution of resources and benefits. It pertains to treating individuals equitably and ensuring that their rights are respected. However, in this scenario, the nurse is specifically addressing the client's right to refuse treatment, which aligns more with the concept of autonomy.

Choice B rationale:

Veracity is the principle of truthfulness and honesty in communication between healthcare professionals and clients. While it is an important ethical principle, it does not directly relate to the client's right to refuse treatment. This right falls under the principle of autonomy, where individuals have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including the decision to refuse treatment.

Choice C rationale:

Fidelity, also known as loyalty or faithfulness, refers to the nurse's commitment to keeping promises and being dedicated to the well-being of the client. While respecting the client's autonomy is part of being faithful to their needs and preferences, the specific right to refuse treatment is better categorized under the principle of autonomy.

Choice D rationale:

Autonomy is the correct choice. Autonomy emphasizes an individual's right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. In this context, the nurse's responsibility is to uphold the client's autonomy by respecting their decision to refuse treatment. The nurse should ensure that the client has been properly informed about the risks and benefits of the treatment and that their decision is voluntary and informed.

Choice A rationale:

Performing oral care once each day is not sufficient to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilated patients are at an increased risk of developing VAP due to the presence of an endotracheal tube that bypasses the body's natural defenses. Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia. Therefore, performing oral care only once a day is inadequate for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing VAP.

Choice B rationale:

Brushing the client's teeth with a firm-bristle toothbrush can cause trauma to the oral tissues, potentially leading to bleeding and irritation. In critically ill patients with an endotracheal tube, using a firm-bristle toothbrush can exacerbate the risk of infection and VAP. It is essential to use gentle and non-traumatic methods for oral care to maintain the integrity of the oral mucosa.

Choice C rationale:

Swabbing the client's mouth with chlorhexidine solution is the correct choice. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic solution that effectively reduces the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular use of chlorhexidine mouthwash has been shown to decrease the risk of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, the risk of aspiration and subsequent pneumonia is lowered, making it a crucial intervention for preventing VAP.

Choice D rationale:

Raising the head of the bed by 15° for oral care is an important measure to prevent aspiration during oral care. However, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of VAP. While proper head positioning helps prevent the entry of oral secretions into the lower respiratory tract, it must be combined with effective oral hygiene practices, such as using chlorhexidine solution, to comprehensively reduce the risk of VAP.