A client has been taking aspirin 325 mg six to eight times a day for the past two weeks to control pain from a knee injury.
Which symptom reported by the client should the nurse report to the health care provider (HCP) for priority follow-up?

This is the appropriate action because it prevents the spread of infection and maintains a clean environment.

The nurse should also wear gloves and dispose of the bag properly.

Choice A is wrong because saturating the dressing with saline before removing it can cause maceration of the skin and increase the risk of infection. The dressing should be removed gently and carefully, and if it is adhered to the wound, small amounts of sterile saline can be used to loosen it.

Choice C is wrong because using the old dressing to debride any tissue that is adhered to the wound can cause trauma, bleeding, and pain. The nurse should use sterile forceps or cotton- tipped applicators to gently press moistened gauze into the wound surfaces.

Choice D is wrong because reinserting the drain if removed with the dressing can cause injury and infection. The nurse should notify the surgeon immediately if the drain is accidentally removed.

The needle gauge size for subcutaneous injections should be between 25 and 31, depending on the patient’s size and the viscosity of the medication.

A smaller gauge number means a larger diameter needle, which can cause more pain and tissue damage.

Choice A is wrong because 8 is too large for subcutaneous injections and can cause bleeding and bruising.

Choice B is wrong because 20 is also too large for subcutaneous injections and can cause similar complications as choice A.

Choice C is wrong because 21 is still too large for subcutaneous injections and can cause discomfort and injury to the patient.

The needle length for subcutaneous injections should be between ½ inch and ⅝ inch, depending on the amount of subcutaneous tissue present. The nurse should pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45-degree angle to ensure proper delivery of the medication.