A home health nurse enters a client's home and finds a used insulin syringe, without a cap, on the table. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: This is the correct intervention, because avoiding IM injections can prevent bleeding and hematoma formation in the client who has low platelet count and impaired clotting.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because obtaining a rectal temperature once per shift can cause trauma and bleeding in the rectal mucosa, which is highly vascularized and sensitive.

Choice C reason: This is an unnecessary intervention, because the client who has thrombocytopenia does not have an increased risk of infection, unless they also have neutropenia or immunosuppression. The client should be allowed to have visitors, as long as they follow the infection control precautions.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because encouraging daily flossing between teeth can cause gingival bleeding and ulceration in the client who has low platelet count and impaired clotting. The client should use a soft toothbrush and avoid dental floss.

Choice A reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should obtain sample menus from the dietitian to give to the client after assessing the client's food preferences, needs, and goals. The sample menus should be individualized and tailored to the client's lifestyle, culture, and preferences.

Choice B reason: This is the first action, because the nurse should ask the client to identify the types of foods she prefers before providing any dietary teaching. This can help the nurse to determine the client's current eating habits, knowledge, and readiness to learn. It can also help the nurse to establish rapport and trust with the client, and to involve the client in the decision-making process.

Choice C reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should identify the recommended range for the client's blood glucose level after assessing the client's food preferences, needs, and goals. The recommended range for the blood glucose level depends on the type, dose, and timing of the medication, the frequency and intensity of the exercise, and the carbohydrate intake of the client.

Choice D reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should discuss long-term complications that can result from nonadherence to the dietary plan after assessing the client's food preferences, needs, and goals. The long-term complications of diabetes mellitus include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye damage, and foot problems. The nurse should explain the benefits of following the dietary plan and the risks of not following it.