The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) washing hands prior to entering the client's room. Which action by the UAP requires additional teaching?

Choice A reason: Asking for specifics about the night nurse's behavior could reinforce the client's splitting behavior, which is not therapeutic.

Choice B reason: Promising to talk to the night nurse may validate the client's negative perception without understanding the full context.

Choice C reason: Focusing on the client's progress and upcoming discharge avoids engaging in a discussion that could reinforce dichotomous thinking.This response is non-confrontational and avoids engaging in the client’s dichotomous thinking. It focuses on the positive aspect of the client’s situation, which is their improvement and discharge from the hospital. It’s important for healthcare professionals to maintain professional boundaries and not reinforce potentially harmful behavior patterns.

Choice D reason: Seeking details about the client's preference for certain staff can encourage splitting behavior and is not beneficial.

Choice A reason: Monitoring for fever is essential after cardiac procedures like the one described. Fever can be a sign of infection, which is a risk following any invasive procedure. Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) for a typical child, but it can be slightly lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.
Choice B reason: There is no need to restrict the child to clear liquids for several days unless specifically instructed by the physician for a particular reason. After cardiac catheterization, patients are usually encouraged to resume their normal diet as tolerated to promote recovery unless there are other concerns that warrant dietary restrictions1.
Choice C reason: Avoiding baths or showers is generally recommended immediately after cardiac catheterization to prevent infection at the catheter insertion site. However, this restriction is usually only for a few days, not indefinitely. The site needs to be kept dry and clean until it has sufficiently healed.
Choice D reason: Keeping a pressure dressing on the site for one week is not typically necessary. The dressing is usually checked and changed by healthcare professionals, and the site is monitored for healing. The dressing may be removed after a certain period, often before one week, as long as there are no signs of bleeding or infection.
Choice E reason: Alerting the physician if the site bleeds or swells is crucial. Swelling or bleeding can indicate complications such as infection or hematoma formation. Parents should be instructed to look for any signs of abnormal discharge, redness, or increased pain, which could signify an infection.
Choice F reason: The child may take ibuprofen for pain, but it should be under the guidance of a physician. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can help with pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to use the correct dosage and to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any other medications the child may be taking.