The nurse is taking the history of a client with occupational lung disease (silicosis). The nurse should assess whether the client wears which item during periods of exposure to silica particles?

A. Standard precautions:

Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control and should be used for all patient care. These precautions include practices like hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe injection practices.

B. Airborne precautions:

These precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread through the air. In the case of tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, airborne precautions are necessary to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.

C. Contact precautions:

Contact precautions are used for patients with known or suspected infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. Examples include Clostridium difficile infection and multidrug-resistant organisms. These precautions involve the use of PPE and may include patient placement in a private room.

D. Droplet precautions:

Droplet precautions are used when a patient is known or suspected to be infected with pathogens that are transmitted by respiratory droplets. Examples include influenza and certain types of bacterial meningitis. These precautions include placing the patient in a private room and using PPE.

A. Administer antibiotics

Administering antibiotics is not a direct intervention for preventing atelectasis. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat bacterial infections, and atelectasis is more related to lung collapse or incomplete lung expansion.

B. Encourage increased oral fluid intake

Adequate hydration is important for maintaining the moisture of respiratory secretions. This helps prevent mucus from becoming thick and sticky, making it easier for the patient to cough and clear the airways.

C. Early mobilization after surgery

Early mobilization, including activities such as getting out of bed and walking, helps improve lung expansion. It promotes better ventilation and prevents areas of the lungs from collapsing, reducing the risk of atelectasis.

D. Frequent turning of the patient

Turning the patient regularly is crucial for preventing pooling of respiratory secretions in dependent areas of the lungs. By changing the patient's position, nurses can facilitate drainage and ventilation throughout the lungs, minimizing the risk of atelectasis.

E. Use of incentive spirometry

Incentive spirometry is a breathing exercise device that encourages the patient to take slow, deep breaths. This helps expand the lungs and prevents atelectasis by maintaining lung volume and promoting alveolar recruitment.