A nurse on a maternal newborn unit is assisting with the preparation of an in-service presentation about infection control. Which of the following information should the nurse recommend to include?

Answer: C. Weigh the client each morning after voiding

Rationale:

A. Encourage the client to gain 2.3 kg (5 lb) per week:
A weight gain goal of 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 lb) per week is considered safe and realistic. Gaining 2.3 kg (5 lb) weekly is too aggressive and may cause physical and psychological stress for the client.

B. Monitor the client for 15 min after meals:
Clients with anorexia nervosa are at risk for purging behaviors. Monitoring for only 15 minutes is insufficient. A 60-minute post-meal observation period is more appropriate to deter vomiting or excessive exercise.

C. Weigh the client each morning after voiding:
Daily weights, taken at the same time each morning after voiding and before eating, provide consistent and accurate data to monitor progress and detect manipulation or fluid shifts.

D. Reinforce teaching about healthy eating during meals:
Reinforcing education during meals can increase the client’s anxiety and resistance to eating. Teaching is best done separately from mealtimes to avoid associating eating with stress.

Answer: C

Rationale:

A) Apply a topical corticosteroid ointment to the scalp: Corticosteroids are not indicated for the treatment of Pediculosis capitis (head lice). The treatment focuses on eliminating the lice and nits, typically through pediculicide medications like permethrin or ivermectin. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and itching, but they do not kill the lice or their eggs.

B) Soak hair brushes and combs in soapy water: Soaking hair brushes and combs in soapy water alone is not sufficient to kill lice. Items such as hair brushes should be soaked in hot water (130°F or higher) for at least 5-10 minutes to ensure any lice or nits present are killed. This is a critical step to prevent reinfestation.

C) Wash the bed linens in hot water: Washing bed linens in hot water (130°F or higher) is essential to eliminate lice and nits that may have transferred onto bedding. This prevents the spread and recurrence of lice. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks to kill the lice.

D) Clean the child's toys with a 1:10 bleach solution: Lice are spread through direct contact and cannot live on inanimate objects for long periods. Cleaning toys with bleach is unnecessary for lice removal and can be harmful to the toys or the child if not properly rinsed.