Which intervention is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?

Choice A reason: A negative-pressure isolation room is not appropriate for this client because it is used for clients who have airborne infections that can spread through small droplets that remain suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. Scabies is a skin infection that is spread by direct contact with infested skin or clothinG.

Choice B reason: A positive-pressure isolation room is not appropriate for this client because it is used for clients who have compromised immune systems and need protection from environmental contaminants, such as bone marrow transplant recipients, burn victims, or organ transplant recipients. Scabies is not caused by environmental contaminants, but by parasitic mites that burrow under the skin.

Choice C reason: A private room is appropriate for this client because it prevents contact transmission of scabies to other clients or stafF. The client should also have dedicated equipment and linens, and wear gloves and gown when leaving the room. The room should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after the client's dischargE.

Choice D reason: A semi-private room with a client who has pediculosis capitis is not appropriate for this client because it increases the risk of cross-contamination between the two clients. Pediculosis capitis is a head lice infestation that can also be spread by direct contact with infested hair or personal items.

c) Bilateral lung sounds.

Explanation:

When admitting a client with complications of left-sided heart failure, the practical nurse (PN) should prioritize assessing the client's bilateral lung sounds. Left-sided heart failure can result in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. By auscultating the client's lung sounds, the PN can assess for the presence of crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds, which are indicative of pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation. This assessment helps to identify the severity of the client's condition and guides further interventions and treatment.

While assessing heart sounds (option a) is important in evaluating cardiac function, assessing lung sounds takes priority as pulmonary congestion is a common manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Chest pain (option b) is a significant symptom that should be assessed promptly, but in this scenario, the focus is on assessing for signs of pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Assessing the client's mood and affect (option d) is important for a comprehensive assessment, but it is not the priority when the client is admited with complications of left-sided heart failure.

The other options are considered incorrect because they are not the priority assessments when admitting a client with complications of left-sided heart failure.

Option a) Heart sounds: While assessing heart sounds is important in evaluating cardiac function, the priority in this scenario is to assess for pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Assessing bilateral lung sounds allows the practical nurse to gather immediate information about the client's respiratory status and the presence of fluid in the lungs.

Option b) Chest pain: Chest pain is a significant symptom that should be assessed promptly, as it could indicate various cardiac or respiratory conditions. However, in this specific scenario, the priority is to assess for signs of pulmonary congestion, which can have a more immediate impact on the client's respiratory function.

Option d) Mood and affect: Assessing the client's mood and affect is important for a comprehensive assessment of their emotional well-being. However, when admitting a client with complications of left- sided heart failure, the priority is to assess their physical condition, particularly the respiratory status, to address any immediate concerns related to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange.