The nurse is evaluating the fluid balance of a client who was admitted yesterday with dehydration and who has been receiving IV fluids since admission. An increase in which parameter indicates to the nurse that the client is rehydrating?

Choice A reason:Hand hygiene is the foundation of Standard Precautions and the single most effective action to prevent transmission of infectious agents. Performing handwashing or using an alcohol‑based hand rub immediately before preparing or administering an injection removes transient microorganisms acquired from touching surfaces and protects both the client and the environment from contamination

Choice B reason:While wearing gloves during handling and disposal of contaminated sharps is recommended whenever there is potential contact with blood or body fluids, it is a secondary barrier. Reliance on gloves alone is insufficient because gloves can have micro‑perforations and are removed after use, making hand hygiene before and after glove use the priority

Choice C reason: Donning a face mask before administering the medication is not a necessary action to indicate an understanding of standard precautions. A face mask is only required when there is a risk of droplet transmission of infectious agents, such as when caring for a client with respiratory infections. It is not needed for self-administration of medications, unless the medication is aerosolized or nebulized.

Choice D reason: Removing the needle before discarding used syringes is not a safe action to indicate an understanding of standard precautions. It increases the risk of needle-stick injuries and contamination. The needle and syringe should be disposed of as a single unit in a puncture-resistant container.

Choice A reason: Providing oral sponge toothettes is the best action to take. It helps the client to maintain oral hygiene and comfort, and prevents dryness and cracking of the oral mucosa.

Choice B reason: Teaching the client that the oral mucosa must remain dry to prevent aspiration is not a correct action. The oral mucosa needs to be moist to protect it from infection and irritation. Aspiration is prevented by checking the placement of the nasogastric tube and keeping the head of the bed elevated.

Choice C reason: Turning the suction off while allowing the client to rinse his mouth with cool water is not a safe action. It may increase the risk of aspiration and interfere with the function of the nasogastric tube. The suction should only be turned off when necessary, such as during medication administration or tube feeding.

Choice D reason: Instilling 50 ml of normal saline solution into the tube and clamping the tube for one hour is not an appropriate action. It may cause fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, and abdominal distension. The nasogastric tube should be flushed with 30 ml of water every 4 to 6 hours to maintain patency and prevent clogging.