Final answer:
The most appropriate client assignment for a nurse who is 10 weeks pregnant is to provide education on postpartum care, as it minimizes the risk of exposure to infections, harmful chemicals, or procedures that could endanger the pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse who is 10 weeks pregnant should choose assignments that minimize exposure to potential infections, harmful drugs, or procedures that could put the pregnancy at risk. The most appropriate option for the pregnant nurse would be d) Providing education on postpartum care. This task is generally considered safe as it does not pose a risk of exposure to infectious diseases or harmful chemicals that could affect the pregnancy.
- Caring for a client with shingles could expose a pregnant nurse to the varicella-zoster virus, which can be harmful during pregnancy.
- Assisting in a surgical procedure with general anesthesia could expose the pregnant nurse to anesthetic gases, which have potential risks for the developing fetus.
- Handling chemotherapeutic medications poses a risk of exposure to harmful drugs, which can be teratogenic or harm the developing fetus.
The priority for healthcare providers, such as the nurse, surgeon, and anesthesia professional, is to review the care plan for the patient, particularly during pregnancy, as conditions like infection by Listeria monocytogenes can be dangerous.