A nurse is unfamiliar with a medication they are preparing to administer to a client. Prior to administering the medication, the nurse should refer to which of the following resources?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• N95 respirator. The client’s presentation of a cough, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, and positive sputum culture for M. tuberculosis strongly suggests active tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne particles, and an N95 respirator is required to protect healthcare workers from inhaling these particles. The N95 mask is specifically designed to filter out small particles, including the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
• Gloves. Gloves should be worn when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed TB to prevent contact transmission. While TB is primarily transmitted via airborne particles, gloves are still necessary to protect healthcare workers from coming into contact with bodily fluids such as sputum or any other potentially contaminated materials.

Rationale for Incorrect Options:

• Face shield. A face shield is not required as primary protection for TB. While face shields can protect against splashes and droplets, TB is primarily transmitted via airborne particles, for which an N95 respirator is more appropriate.
• Surgical mask. A surgical mask is not sufficient for protecting healthcare workers against tuberculosis because it does not filter out small airborne particles like the N95 respirator does. Surgical masks are primarily intended for droplet precautions, but tuberculosis is spread through airborne transmission, necessitating an N95 mask for adequate protection.

• Gown. A gown is not required in this situation unless the patient has other symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of contamination, such as excessive wound drainage or the potential for body fluid splashes. For TB transmission, the primary concern is airborne transmission, and appropriate PPE focuses on respiratory protection (N95) and gloves for contact precautions.

A. "I can have two glasses of wine with dinner." While moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable, guidelines typically recommend limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women. Two glasses of wine may exceed this recommendation, and excessive alcohol can contribute to higher blood pressure.
B. "I will set my blood pressure goal at 130 over 84." The target blood pressure for individuals with mild hypertension is usually less than 130/80 mmHg. Setting a goal of 130/84 does not meet the recommended guidelines for managing hypertension effectively.
C. "I should exercise for 15 minutes two times per week!" While any exercise is beneficial, the general recommendation for adults is to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, which translates to about 30 minutes on most days. Exercising only two times per week for 15 minutes is insufficient for achieving cardiovascular health and blood pressure management.
D. "I should decrease my salt intake to 2 grams per day." Decreasing salt intake to 2 grams per day indicates an understanding of dietary recommendations for managing hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day, and further reduction to 1,500 mg may be beneficial for those with hypertension. Reducing salt can help lower blood pressure effectively.