A patient has an elevated temperature. The nurse assesses the patient and finds the skin flushed and very warm. The patient is oriented to person, place, time, and situation, and expresses severe fatigue. The most appropriate nursing action at this time would be to:

The correct answer is c. Asking the client to rate the pain. This is the most direct and reliable method to determine the effectiveness of a cold compress for pain relief.

Choice A Reason:

Having the client perform range-of-motion exercises of the arm: This statement is incorrect because it assesses mobility rather than pain or swelling. Range-of-motion exercises are typically used to evaluate joint flexibility and muscle strength, not the effectiveness of pain relief measures.

Choice B Reason:

Inspecting the site for reduced swelling: This statement is incorrect because, while it checks for swelling, it does not directly measure pain relief. Swelling reduction can be an indicator of decreased inflammation, but it does not provide a direct assessment of the client's pain levels.

Choice C Reason:

Asking the client to rate the pain: This is the correct choice because it directly measures the client's perception of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the most accurate way to assess it is by asking the client to describe or rate their pain. This method allows the nurse to gauge the effectiveness of the cold compress in providing pain relief.

Choice D Reason:

Monitoring the client's pulse rate: This statement is incorrect because pulse rate is not a direct indicator of pain or swelling reduction. While pain can sometimes cause an increase in pulse rate, it is not a reliable or specific measure of pain relief. Pulse rate can be influenced by various factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical activity.

Choice A reason: Droplet precautions are necessary when dealing with infectious agents that are spread through large droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking. However, leukemia itself is not an infectious disease but a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. Therefore, droplet precautions are not typically required for leukemia patients unless they have a concurrent infection that warrants such measures.

Choice B reason: A protective environment refers to room designs that minimize the risk of infection in immunocompromised patients, such as those with leukemia. This includes HEPA filtration, positive air pressure rooms, and rigorous infection control practices. Given that patients with leukemia have compromised immune systems, a protective environment is crucial to protect them from infections, which can be life-threatening due to their reduced ability to fight off diseases.

Choice C reason: Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled by others. Diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox require airborne precautions. Leukemia does not require airborne precautions unless the patient has a coexisting airborne infection.

Choice D reason: Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by direct contact with the patient or the patient's environment. While leukemia patients may be more susceptible to infections due to their compromised immune systems, contact precautions are not specifically required for leukemia itself but may be necessary if the patient has a concurrent contact-transmissible infection.