Which of the following dressing types is most appropriate for the nurses to apply to a small skin tear in an older adult client?

A. Hypoglycemic: Hypoglycemia is not typically considered a sign or symptom of sepsis. In sepsis, blood glucose levels may fluctuate, but hypoglycemia is less common.
B. Elevated White Blood Count: An elevated white blood count (leukocytosis) is a common sign of sepsis, indicating the body's immune response to infection.
C. Pruritus: Pruritus, or itching, is not typically associated with sepsis. Itching may occur in certain skin conditions or allergic reactions but is not a hallmark sign of sepsis.
D. Hypotension: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a serious sign of sepsis and can indicate septic shock, a life-threatening complication.
E. Altered Mental Status: Altered mental status, such as confusion, disorientation, or decreased level of consciousness, can occur in sepsis due to systemic inflammation and impaired perfusion to the brain.

A. Place all clients who have manifestations on contact precautions: Given the suspicion of Clostridium difficile infection due to the development of watery diarrhea in multiple clients, it is appropriate to place these clients on contact precautions until the diagnosis is confirmed or ruled out. Contact precautions help prevent the spread of the infection by requiring healthcare workers to wear gloves and gowns when entering the room.
B. Obtain stool cultures from all clients on the nursing unit: While obtaining stool cultures may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of C. difficile infection, implementing contact precautions is more immediate and necessary to prevent transmission.
C. Request the providers to initiate antibiotic therapy for every client on the unit: Initiating antibiotic therapy for every client on the unit without confirmation of C. difficile infection is not appropriate and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

D. Perform hand hygiene with an alcohol-based agent: Hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of infection, but in the case of C. difficile, handwashing with soap and water is recommended over alcohol-based hand sanitizers due to the spore-forming nature of the bacteria.