The practical nurse (PN) is preparing to transfer an unresponsive client from the bed to a stretcher. Which client data is most important for the PN to obtain before beginning the transfer?

A. Acetaminophen 600 mg PO every 6 hours PRN for pain or temperature greater than 100° F (37.7° C)
While acetaminophen is necessary for managing fever or pain, it is a PRN medication, meaning it is only given based on specific symptoms (temperature greater than 100°F or pain). Immediate administration is not required unless the client’s symptoms meet these criteria.
B. Contact precautions
Contact precautions are crucial for preventing the spread of MRSA, a highly contagious pathogen. Immediate implementation is necessary to protect both the client and others in the healthcare setting from infection.
C. Vancomycin 500 mg IV piggyback every 6 hours
Vancomycin is prescribed to treat the MRSA infection. It should be administered as ordered to manage the infection effectively and prevent complications from the surgical site infection.
D. Place peripheral IV
The peripheral IV has already been placed, as indicated by the notes. This action would have been necessary before starting the IV medication orders but is not an immediate task at this time.
E. Change turban dressing by cleansing with sterile water, patting dry, applying dry gauze over incision, and wrapping head with kerlix
Changing the turban dressing is necessary to manage the infection at the surgical site. This must be done according to the prescribed procedure to maintain sterile conditions and support healing.
F. Strict intake and output
While monitoring intake and output is important, it does not need to be done immediately but should be started as per the order to monitor the client’s fluid balance over time.
G. Clear liquid diet
Initiating a clear liquid diet is important for nutritional support, but it does not need to be started immediately. It is part of the general care plan but does not have the same urgency as infection control and medication administration

A. Implementing fall precautions is the most important intervention for a client with Parkinson’s disease experiencing decreased postural reflexes, rigidity, and gait issues. These symptoms significantly increase the risk of falls, so fall precautions are crucial for preventing injury.
B. Aspiration precautions are important for many clients, but they are less immediately relevant in this context compared to fall prevention. The symptoms listed do not directly indicate a high risk of aspiration.
C. Reorientation cues may be necessary for clients with cognitive issues but are not the primary concern for managing motor symptoms like those listed. The focus here should be on physical safety rather than cognitive orientation.
D. Bowel training is a useful intervention for managing bowel function but is not directly related to the acute risks of fall and gait disturbances associated with Parkinson’s disease.