An occupational health nurse is providing teaching to a group of factory workers about proper lifting techniques.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Requesting additional information about the caller's relationship to the client does not ensure the caller's identity is verified, and it could still result in a breach of confidentiality.

Choice B rationale: Providing a general update about the client's condition over the telephone is not appropriate, as it could breach the client's confidentiality.

Choice C rationale: Referring the family member to the client's provider for the update respects confidentiality and ensures that information is only provided to authorized individuals, maintaining the client's privacy.

Choice D rationale: Encouraging the family member to contact the client directly for information ensures that the client has control over their own information and maintains confidentiality. This action respects the client's privacy and autonomy.

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale:

The client has influenza, which is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted through droplets when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The UAP is in close contact with the client while assisting them to sit up in bed to eat lunch. Therefore, it is necessary for the UAP to wear a face mask in addition to a gown and gloves to prevent the spread of the virus.This is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, which recommend that healthcare personnel wear a face mask when they are in the same room as a patient with suspected or confirmed influenza.

Choice B rationale:

A fitted respirator mask is not necessary in this situation.According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), respirators are required for airborne diseases such as tuberculosis, but not for influenza, which is a droplet-transmitted disease. Therefore, reminding the UAP to apply a fitted respirator mask before entering the client’s room is not the most appropriate action.

Choice C rationale:

Assigning the UAP to provide care for another client and assuming full care of the client is not the most appropriate action in this situation. The UAP is already wearing a gown and gloves, which are part of the standard precautions for any patient care.The UAP just needs to add a face mask to their personal protective equipment (PPE) to safely assist the client.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client’s respiratory status is always a good practice. However, it does not address the immediate need for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate action in this situation.