A nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with hepatitis A about preventing transmission of the virus. Which of the following strategies should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Steatorrhea:

Steatorrhea refers to the presence of excessive fat in the stool. If a healthcare provider suspects malabsorption or fat digestion issues, they might order a fecal fat test to assess the amount of fat in the stool. This test is different from a guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), which is designed to detect blood.

B. Parasites:

The detection of parasites in the stool involves specific testing methods, such as microscopic examination of stool samples or specialized tests aimed at identifying the presence of parasitic organisms. A guaiac fecal occult blood test is not designed to detect parasites; its primary purpose is to identify occult (hidden) blood.

C. Blood:

A stool test for guaiac is specifically designed to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool. The guaiac test involves placing a small sample of stool onto a test card containing guaiac, and a color change indicates the presence of blood. This test is commonly used to screen for gastrointestinal bleeding.

D. Bacteria:

Detecting bacteria in the stool typically involves stool cultures or specific tests designed to identify bacterial infections or imbalances in the gut microbiota. The guaiac test is not intended for detecting bacteria; its primary focus is on identifying the presence of blood in the stool.

A. The charge nurse should follow the staff closely and tell them every single thing they could possibly be doing wrong:

Micromanaging and focusing solely on the negatives can create a stressful and demoralizing work environment. This approach is less likely to motivate and inspire staff.

B. Make the staff aware that all errors will be severely punished:

A punitive approach to errors can create a culture of fear and may not foster a supportive environment for learning and improvement. It can lead to decreased morale and job satisfaction.

C. Acknowledge staff accomplishments when warranted and provide positive feedback:

This is the most effective approach. Recognizing and acknowledging staff achievements, providing positive feedback, and celebrating successes contribute to a positive work environment. It motivates staff to continue their efforts and fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration.

D. Provide negative feedback with all errors:

While constructive feedback is essential for learning and improvement, a balance between constructive criticism and positive reinforcement is crucial. Constant negative feedback without recognition of positive efforts can lead to decreased morale.