A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A Pertussis is highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets. Wearing a surgical mask when providing care to the client helps prevent the spread of the bacteria to others in the healthcare setting. This is a standard precaution to minimize transmission of respiratory infections.

B. A Mantoux test, or tuberculin skin test, is used to detect tuberculosis (TB) infection, not pertussis. It is not relevant to the diagnosis or management of pertussis. The focus should be on clinical assessment and appropriate treatment for pertussis.

C Pertussis does not typically require isolation in a negative pressure airflow room. Standard precautions, including wearing a surgical mask, are generally sufficient to prevent transmission. Negative pressure rooms are typically reserved for airborne infections like tuberculosis or measles.

D. Pertussis is caused by a bacterial infection (Bordetella pertussis), not a virus. Antiviral therapy is not effective against bacterial infections such as pertussis. Family members and close contacts of the client should receive prophylactic antibiotics to prevent spread of the infection, not antiviral therapy.

A Checking the pulse distal (beyond) to the AV graft site is crucial to assess peripheral circulation. It helps determine if the graft is adequately perfusing blood to the distal extremity. Absence or weak pulse distal to the graft could indicate graft malfunction or complications such as thrombosis or inadequate blood flow.

B. Splinting the forearm may help immobilize the arm and reduce movement that could potentially disrupt the AV graft site. However, immobilization should be balanced with promoting mobility and preventing complications such as joint stiffness or pressure injuries.

C. Drawing blood from the AV graft could introduce infection risk or damage the graft site. It is standard practice to avoid using the AV graft for routine blood draws

D. Positioning the forearm below the level of the heart promotes venous return and reduces swelling or edema in the extremity. However, for an AV graft, maintaining the arm in a dependent position should be avoided to prevent excessive pressure on the graft site or compromising blood flow.