A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about caring for a client who has a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following Instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale for correct choices:

• Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can develop after a viral illness when aspirin is given to children. The toddler’s symptoms—lethargy, persistent vomiting, and difficulty rousing—align with signs of increased intracranial pressure associated with Reye’s syndrome.

• Aspirin administration during a recent influenza A infection is a known trigger for Reye’s syndrome, as it can cause acute encephalopathy and liver dysfunction in pediatric patients.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Bronchitis would present with prominent lower respiratory symptoms such as productive cough, wheezing, and abnormal lung sounds, which are not noted here.

• Gastroenteritis is characterized by vomiting and diarrhea with signs of dehydration; this child has no diarrhea, and the neurological decline suggests CNS involvement rather than a purely GI process.

• Acetaminophen administration is not linked to Reye’s syndrome; toxicity causes liver injury but does not present with acute encephalopathy following viral illness in the same way.

• Cough finding is unrelated to the primary cause of the neurological changes and persistent vomiting; the cough has been present but is not the trigger for the current complication.

Rationale:

A. How to change the tracheostomy dressing using clean technique: Tracheostomy dressings should be changed using sterile technique, not clean technique, to prevent infection and protect the airway. Teaching clean technique would be inappropriate.

B. How to operate the portable suction machine: Suctioning is a critical skill for maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory complications. Teaching the partner how to operate the suction machine ensures they can assist safely at home if needed.

C. How to change the nondisposable tracheostomy tube daily: Nondisposable tracheostomy tubes are not typically changed daily; frequent changes can damage the stoma or airway. Tube changes are usually performed by trained healthcare personnel.

D. How to secure the tracheostomy tube with ties at the back of the neck: Ties should be secured in a way that avoids pressure or friction on the back of the neck, typically fastening at the sides. Focusing on back-of-neck placement could lead to skin breakdown or discomfort.