The nurse is educating her patient on the pumping efficacy of the heart.
The nurse knows that the patient understands the teaching when the patient states:

Choice A rationale:

Changing soiled linens daily is important, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Choice B rationale:

Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens. It should be performed before and after every client interaction, before and after any procedure, and after any contact with potentially infectious material.

Choice C rationale:

Discarding used syringes in appropriate containers is important for safety, but it does not directly prevent the spread of pathogens.

Choice D rationale:

Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is important, but hand hygiene is more effective at preventing the spread of pathogens.

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is incorrect because it would present with a high pH and high HCO3. This client’s pH is low, indicating acidosis, not alkalosis.

Choice B rationale:

Respiratory acidosis is correct. It is characterized by a low pH and high PaCO2, as seen in this client’s results. This condition occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough CO2, causing it to build up in the blood and lower the pH.

Choice C rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is incorrect because it would present with a low pH and low HCO3. This client’s HCO3 is normal.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis is incorrect because it would present with a high pH and low PaCO2. This client’s pH is low and PaCO2 is high.