Question

A bedfast client is vomiting. The nurse aide should:

A. get the nurse in charge immediately.
B. turn the client on her abdomen.
C. clean up the mess at once.
D. turn the client's head to the side.

Answer 1

In the case of a bedfast client vomiting, the caregiver must first turn the client's head to the side to avoid the risk of aspiration. This action precedes cleaning or any other measures. It is also essential to inform the nurse in charge immediately.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a bedfast client is vomiting, the immediate action a nurse aide should take is to turn the client's head to the side. This is important to prevent aspiration, which is when vomit is breathed into the lungs, potentially causing a lung infection or choking. Getting the nurse in charge immediately is also crucial, but the first response should be to turn the client's head to ensure the airway remains clear. Cleaning the mess at once is necessary for hygiene and the client's comfort, but it is not the first priority during an active vomiting episode. Turning the client on the abdomen is not advisable as it could increase the risk of aspiration.