A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lovastatin. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse instruct the client to complete before starting the medication?

Choice A rationale:

Covering bedside water pitchers after being filled helps reduce the risk of contamination and infection by preventing the entry of airborne pathogens or debris.

Choice B rationale:

Allowing dressings that get wet in the shower to dry out is not an effective infection control strategy. Wet dressings can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and it is important to change wet dressings promptly to minimize the risk of infection.

Choice C rationale:

Used needles should be immediately disposed of in sharps containers, not placed at the nurses' station. Placing used needles in the sharps container promptly helps prevent accidental needlestick injuries and potential transmission of infections.

Choice D rationale:

Drainage bottles should be emptied regularly to prevent overfilling, but they should not be allowed to become full. Regular emptying ensures proper functioning and reduces the risk of spillage or contamination in the client care area.

Choice A rationale:
Having the client point their chin upward to swallow is not a recommended action to reduce the risk of aspiration. In fact, this action can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, as it may cause food or liquids to enter the airway.
Choice B rationale:
Offering the client saltine crackers between meals is not a suitable action for reducing the risk of aspiration. Saltine crackers are dry and can be challenging to swallow for someone with dysphagia, potentially increasing the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale:
Thicken liquids before serving is the correct action to reduce the risk of aspiration in a client with dysphagia. Thickened liquids are easier to swallow and less likely to enter the airway, reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Choice D rationale:
Placing food on the affected side of the mouth does not address the risk of aspiration directly. Dysphagia may affect both sides of the mouth, and placing food on one side does not ensure safe swallowing and reduces the effectiveness of addressing the problem.