An older adult client in a long-term care facility had a stroke 4 weeks ago and has been unable to move independently since that time. The nurse caring for her should observe for which of the following findings that indicates a complication of immobility?

A. There is no indication of an emergency based on black stools alone without other concerning symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, cramping, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
B. While gathering more information about the client's diet may be helpful in some cases, it does not address the specific concern about the black stools related to iron supplementation.
C. Unless there are other concerning symptoms, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or significant discomfort, this situation does not typically warrant an immediate visit to the office. It can be managed with reassurance and education over the phone.
D. Iron supplements commonly cause stools to turn black due to the way iron is metabolized in the digestive system. This change in stool color is known as "iron-induced blackening." It occurs because iron supplements contain iron salts that undergo chemical reactions in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the production of iron sulfide compounds that impart a black color to the stool.

A. Contact precautions primarily focus on preventing direct transmission of pathogens through physical contact. Therefore, wearing a mask is not typically required unless the client is also suspected or known to have respiratory infections that require airborne precautions. The standard precautions include wearing gloves and a gown when entering the client's room.
B. This is a key principle of contact precautions. The nurse should ensure that equipment (such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes) and supplies (like thermometers) used for the client are dedicated solely to that client and are not shared with other clients. This helps prevent the spread of pathogens to other clients or areas of the healthcare facility.
C. Contact precautions involve limiting the client's movement outside of their room to essential purposes only. Allowing the client to leave the room frequently increases the risk of spreading infectious agents to other areas of the healthcare facility and to other individuals.
D. Potted plants can harbor soil that may contain microorganisms. Contact precautions focus on preventing direct transmission through physical contact, and while soil is not typically a medium for transmission of common healthcare-associated pathogens, removing plants helps maintain cleanliness and reduces potential reservoirs for contamination.