What is the appropriate nursing action for a client with hepatitis A who is experiencing incontinence?

The appropriate nursing action for a client with hepatitis A who is experiencing incontinence is to place the client on contact precautions. Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, often in environments where hygiene practices are insufficient. When a client is experiencing incontinence, there is an increased risk of contamination and spread of the virus. By implementing contact precautions, the nurse helps to prevent transmission to other patients and healthcare workers, thereby maintaining a safe care environment.

The other options do not address the immediate concern of preventing the spread of the virus and managing the client's incontinence effectively. High-calorie meals could be beneficial for nutritional support, but they do not directly relate to infection control or the management of incontinence. Antiemetic medication might help if the client is suffering from nausea, which is not explicitly stated in the scenario. Increasing fluid intake is generally important for maintaining hydration, especially in cases of gastrointestinal distress, but it similarly does not mitigate the risk of spreading hepatitis A through incontinence.