When caring for the elderly the nurse must implement which measure for client safety?

C. This option correctly identifies therationale behind the nurse's instruction. Immunosuppressed clients have a weakened immune system, making them highly vulnerable to infections. Family members may carry microorganisms on their hands, clothes, or respiratory secretions that can potentially transmit infections to the client. Wearing gloves and a mask helps reduce the risk of introducing pathogens to the client.

A. This option suggests that the risk is related to hospital staff transmitting infections to family members. While this is a concern in healthcare settings, it is not directly related to the specific situation described where family members are visiting an immunosuppressed client in a protective environment.

B. This option implies that the hospital environment itself poses a risk of infection transmission to family members. While hospitals can harbor various pathogens, the primary concern in this scenario is the transmission of infections to the immunosuppressed client from outside sources, including family members.

D. This option suggests that the client could transmit infections to family members. While this is theoretically possible depending on the specific infectious agent and the client's condition, the primary concern in a protective environment is preventing infections from entering the client's environment and affecting their health.

D. This refers to the inability to clear secretions or obstructions from the respiratory tract to maintain airway patency. Based on the client's complaint of difficulty moving mucus from the throat to the mouth for expectoration, ineffective airway clearance is the priority problem. The client's reluctance to cough and deep breathe due to pain further exacerbates this issue, as effective airway clearance is crucial for preventing complications such as respiratory infections or atelectasis post-operatively.

A. Activity intolerance refers to insufficient physiological or psychological energy to endure or complete required or desired daily activities. In the case of a one-day post-operative client experiencing difficulty clearing mucus, activity intolerance is not the priority problem. The client's main issue is related to respiratory function and airway clearance rather than overall activity tolerance.

B. This refers to abnormal respiratory rate, depth, or rhythm that does not provide adequate ventilation. While the client's complaint of difficulty moving mucus and reluctance to cough or deep breathe suggests some respiratory discomfort, the main issue appears to be the inability to effectively clear airway secretions rather than an overall ineffective breathing pattern.

C. This refers to the inability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide across the alveolar-capillary membranes. While mucus in the throat can potentially affect gas exchange if it obstructs airflow significantly, the client's primary complaint is about difficulty clearing mucus rather than signs and symptoms of inadequate oxygenation or ventilation.