A nurse on a medical unit is caring for a group of clients. For which of the following tasks should the nurse wear a face shield?

A. Suctioning a client's tracheostomy tube A face shield or goggles with a mask should be worn when performing procedures that generate aerosols or splashes, such as suctioning a tracheostomy. This helps protect the nurse from exposure to respiratory secretions. B. Emptying an indwelling urinary catheter bag This task carries a low risk of splashing, so gloves are typically sufficient. If splashing is anticipated, wearing a gown and goggles may be appropriate. C. Inserting an IV catheter for a client who has peritonitis IV insertion does not pose a high risk of splashes or sprays, so standard precautions (gloves) are usually adequate. D. Changing the brief of an older adult client who has a Clostridium difficile infection While contact precautions (gown and gloves) are required for C. difficile, a face shield is not necessary unless significant splashing of fecal matter is expected. Hand hygiene with soap and water (not alcohol-based hand sanitizer) is essential.