The nurse is providing care for a client in protective environment isolation. Which nursing action is the priority intervention?
Change bed linens on a daily basis.
Provide fresh drinking water every four hours.
Restrict visitors who have an upper respiratory infection.
Monitor intake and output every shift.
The Correct Answer is C
C. This is the priority intervention because clients in protective isolation have compromised immune systems and are at high risk of infection. Upper respiratory infections can be transmitted easily through respiratory droplets, posing a significant risk to the client. Restricting visitors with such infections helps minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the client's environment.
A. While maintaining cleanliness is important in any healthcare setting, changing bed linens daily may not be the highest priority in protective environment isolation unless there is a specific indication (e.g., soiled linens, contamination). It is essential to minimize unnecessary contact and potential sources of infection, but this is not the priority in the given context.
B. Hydration is important for all clients, but the frequency of providing fresh drinking water every four hours is generally a routine nursing care measure. Unless there are specific medical orders or client needs, this action is not directly related to the specialized care required in protective environment isolation.
D. Monitoring intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance and kidney function in hospitalized clients. However, in the context of protective isolation, where infection control is paramount, restricting visitors who pose a potential infectious risk takes precedence over routine monitoring tasks.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. This finding suggests deep tissue involvement and is characteristic of a Stage IV pressure injury. Stage IV pressure injuries involve full-thickness tissue loss with exposure of underlying structures such as bone, tendon, or muscle. This level of tissue damage requires extensive wound care and management to promote healing.

A. Thick dark eschar indicates necrotic tissue that typically covers the wound. While eschar itself is a characteristic of severe wounds, its presence alone does not define a Stage IV pressure injury. Eschar can be present in various stages of pressure injuries.
C. Partial-thickness loss of dermis typically corresponds to Stage II pressure injuries, where the injury extends into the epidermis and dermis but does not yet involve full-thickness tissue loss. This finding does not indicate a Stage IV pressure injury.
D. This finding is characteristic of a Stage III pressure injury, where the wound extends through the dermis into the subcutaneous tissue layer. In Stage IV pressure injuries, the damage progresses further to involve deeper structures such as muscle and bone, beyond the subcutaneous tissue.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. This refers to the inability to clear secretions or obstructions from the respiratory tract to maintain airway patency. Based on the client's complaint of difficulty moving mucus from the throat to the mouth for expectoration, ineffective airway clearance is the priority problem. The client's reluctance to cough and deep breathe due to pain further exacerbates this issue, as effective airway clearance is crucial for preventing complications such as respiratory infections or atelectasis post-operatively.
A. Activity intolerance refers to insufficient physiological or psychological energy to endure or complete required or desired daily activities. In the case of a one-day post-operative client experiencing difficulty clearing mucus, activity intolerance is not the priority problem. The client's main issue is related to respiratory function and airway clearance rather than overall activity tolerance.
B. This refers to abnormal respiratory rate, depth, or rhythm that does not provide adequate ventilation. While the client's complaint of difficulty moving mucus and reluctance to cough or deep breathe suggests some respiratory discomfort, the main issue appears to be the inability to effectively clear airway secretions rather than an overall ineffective breathing pattern.
C. This refers to the inability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide across the alveolar-capillary membranes. While mucus in the throat can potentially affect gas exchange if it obstructs airflow significantly, the client's primary complaint is about difficulty clearing mucus rather than signs and symptoms of inadequate oxygenation or ventilation.
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