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Suggesting to discuss concerns with the care team does not immediately address the breach of confidentiality in a public area and may allow the inappropriate discussion to continue.

Asking about HIPAA regulations is educational but does not immediately stop the inappropriate discussion, which is the priority.

Notifying the provider is not the correct first step. Immediate correction of behavior takes priority, with follow-up education or reporting as needed.

Closely monitoring the pump during the next administration is reactive and does not address the current malfunction or prevent future errors.

Returning the pump to storage without reporting the malfunction leaves the faulty equipment available for use, risking patient safety.

Documenting an incident report should occur, but not in the client’s electronic medical record. Incident reports are typically separate from the medical record and are used for quality improvement, not individual documentation.

Clubbing of fingernails develops gradually in chronic hypoxemia and is not an acute change that requires immediate provider notification.

Maintaining oxygen saturation above 95% in COPD clients can suppress their hypoxic drive to breathe; the recommended target is usually 88–92%.

Ambulating the client just before meals is not appropriate, as activity may increase dyspnea and fatigue, potentially interfering with eating and nutrition.

Physical therapists focus on improving a client’s mobility, muscle strength, and functional movement. While they play an important role in rehabilitation, they do not assess or manage swallowing difficulties or the risk of aspiration.

Respiratory therapists focus on managing breathing difficulties, airway management, and oxygen therapy. While aspiration can lead to respiratory complications, respiratory therapists do not perform assessments or interventions for swallowing disorders.

Occupational therapists assist clients with performing activities of daily living, including adaptive feeding techniques or modified utensils. However, they do not provide formal evaluation or treatment for swallowing disorders and would typically work in collaboration with a speech therapist if interventions are needed.

Removing fresh flowers is important for preventing infection in immunocompromised clients, but it is not specific to Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection control.

Applying a mask is not necessary for C. difficile, as it is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, not through airborne droplets. Masks are used for airborne or droplet precautions.

Washing hands with an alcohol-based hand rub is ineffective against C. difficile spores. Proper hand hygiene requires washing with soap and water, which physically removes the spores from the hands.

A large laceration of the forearm may require medical attention but is not immediately life-threatening. This client would typically receive a yellow tag (delayed priority).

A weeping abrasion over the upper back is a minor injury that does not compromise airway, breathing, or circulation, and the client can wait for treatment. This client would typically receive a green tag (minor priority).

A closed fracture of the humerus is painful but not life-threatening and can be delayed in treatment. This client would typically receive a yellow tag (delayed priority).

Clients with paraplegia are at risk for constipation due to decreased mobility. A low-fiber diet would worsen bowel issues. A high-fiber diet with adequate fluids is typically recommended to maintain regular bowel function.

Clients with paraplegia are not contraindicated for the influenza vaccine; in fact, vaccination is important to prevent respiratory infections, which can be more serious in individuals with limited mobility.

Instructing the client to change positions every 3 hours when sitting in a chair is insufficient for pressure injury prevention. Clients should be encouraged to shift weight every 15–30 minutes and reposition regularly to prevent skin breakdown.

A living will outlines the client’s preferences for end-of-life care, such as life-sustaining treatments, but does not designate a decision-maker for other health care decisions.

Informed consent is the process of providing the client with information about a specific treatment or procedure and obtaining their agreement. It does not designate a surrogate decision-maker.

A DNR prescription specifies whether resuscitation should be attempted in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. While important, it does not allow someone else to make overall health care decisions for the client.

Utility refers to actions that maximize overall good or benefit for the greatest number of people, which is broader than preventing an individual client’s injury.

Autonomy involves respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions about their care. While important, removing a fall hazard is not directly related to promoting autonomy.

Veracity refers to truth-telling and honesty in the nurse-client relationship, which does not apply to preventing injury through environmental safety.