The practical nurse (PN) is providing instructions to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to give a total bed bath to an immobile client who has a continuous feeding via gastrostomy tube (GT).

Which instruction is most important for the PN to emphasize?

Choice A rationale:

Facial erythema (redness of the face) is not a typical manifestation of pertussis (whooping cough) Pertussis primarily presents with a severe cough, often followed by a "whooping" sound during inhalation, and can cause complications like pneumonia and apnea. Facial erythema is not a characteristic sign of the disease.

Choice B rationale:

A beefy, red tongue is not a common manifestation of pertussis. This description is more suggestive of other conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or certain infections. Pertussis primarily involves respiratory symptoms, and a red tongue is not a typical finding associated with the disease.

Choice C rationale:

Fever is a common manifestation of pertussis, and it is often one of the early symptoms. However, it is not the most specific sign of the disease, as many other infections can also cause fever. While fever can occur in pertussis, it is not the most distinctive feature of the condition.

Choice D rationale:

Koplik spots are not associated with pertussis but rather with measles (rubeola) Koplik spots are small white or grayish-blue spots with a red halo that appear on the mucous membranes inside the cheeks and are characteristic of measles. Pertussis is primarily known for its characteristic cough and paroxysms of coughing, not for Koplik spots.

Choice A rationale:

"Instruct the client to take a brisk walk." Rationale: This action is not appropriate for a pregnant client experiencing dizziness, a racing heart, and pallor while lying on their back. It may exacerbate their symptoms and is not recommended.

Choice B rationale:

"Position the client on their left side." Rationale: This is the correct action to take. The client's symptoms, such as dizziness, racing heart, and pallor, suggest that they may be experiencing supine hypotensive syndrome, a common issue in pregnancy. Placing the client on their left side helps relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving blood flow to the fetus and reducing symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

"Check the client's temperature." Rationale: Checking the client's temperature is not the most relevant action to address the reported symptoms. Dizziness, racing heart, and pallor are not typically associated with fever.

Choice D rationale:

"Provide the client with a glass of orange juice." Rationale: While providing orange juice can be helpful in some cases of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), it is not the primary intervention for a pregnant client with the reported symptoms. These symptoms are more indicative of supine hypotensive syndrome, and the priority is to change the client's position to alleviate the condition.