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:

"Fidelity involves ensuring that we do no harm to the client." - This statement is not an accurate description of fidelity. Fidelity, in ethical terms, primarily refers to keeping promises and being loyal to clients, rather than preventing harm.

Choice B rationale:

"Fidelity involves making sure clients are able to make their own health care decisions." - While this statement relates to ethical principles, it is more closely associated with the principle of autonomy rather than fidelity. Fidelity is about keeping promises and being trustworthy.

Choice C rationale:

"Fidelity involves keeping promises made to clients." - This is the correct answer. Fidelity is the ethical principle that involves keeping commitments, promises, and agreements made to clients. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity in the nurse-patient relationship.

Choice D rationale:

"Fidelity involves treating every client with the same level of respect." - While respecting clients is essential in nursing practice, this statement does not directly address the concept of fidelity. Fidelity is more about keeping promises and being loyal to individual clients rather than a uniform approach to all clients.