During a fecal impaction removal, an older client complains of feeling dizzy and cold.
Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice B rationale:

Explaining that the client will start to lose consciousness and the body systems will slow down is the best response. This is a common pattern in the dying process, and it provides the wife with a clear and compassionate explanation of what to expect as her husband's death approaches.

Choice A rationale:

Gathering information regarding how long it will take for the children to arrive is important but does not address the immediate need for information on the dying process.

Choice C rationale:

Offering to discuss the client's health status with each of the adult children is a good approach for involving them in their father's care but does not provide the immediate information the wife is seeking.

Choice D rationale:

Reassuring the spouse that the healthcare provider will notify when to call the children does not offer information about the dying process itself, which is what the wife is interested in understanding.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: While notifying the charge nurse about the client’s condition is important, it is not the most critical action. The charge nurse’s role would be to coordinate care and ensure appropriate resources are available, but the immediate safety and well-being of the client and others in the facility is the priority. Therefore, this choice is not the most important action for the nurse to take.

Choice B rationale: Instituting droplet precautions, placing the client in a private room, and keeping the door closed is the most important action. COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Therefore, it is crucial to implement droplet precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes wearing a mask, eye protection, and a gown and gloves when caring for the client. The client should also be placed in a private room with the door closed to further prevent the spread of the virus.

Choice C rationale: While it is important for the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed, this is not the most critical action. The priority is to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare facility. Once the client is appropriately isolated and precautions are in place, the client can be educated and assisted with notifying others about potential exposure.

Choice D rationale: Placing the nasal swab specimen for COVID-19 directly into a biohazard bag is a standard procedure when collecting specimens for testing. However, this action does not address the immediate need to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare facility. Therefore, this choice is not the most important action for the nurse to take.