A nurse accidentally sticks her hand with a needle after administering an intramuscular (IM) injection to a client. Which action should the nurse take first?
Wash the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water.
Notify employee health services.
Complete an incident report.
Report the incident to the charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first and most immediate action the nurse should take. This step helps to reduce the risk of infection by removing any potential contaminants from the puncture site. It is a crucial initial response to any needlestick injury to minimize the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission. Proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing infections and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.
Choice B Reason:
Notifying employee health services is an important step that should follow the initial first aid. Employee health services will provide further evaluation, testing, and follow-up care as needed. They will also guide the nurse on any necessary post-exposure prophylaxis and additional steps to take. However, this is not the first action to take immediately after the injury.
Choice C Reason:
Completing an incident report is a necessary step to document the needlestick injury. This report helps in tracking and preventing future incidents, ensuring that proper protocols are followed, and providing data for workplace safety improvements. While important, this step should be taken after the initial first aid and notification of employee health services.
Choice D Reason:
Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is also an important step in the process. The charge nurse needs to be informed about the incident to ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken and to provide support to the affected nurse. However, this step should come after the immediate first aid and notification of employee health services.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sclera is correct. The sclera, or the white part of the eye, is a reliable site to assess for jaundice, especially in dark-skinned individuals. Jaundice causes a yellowish discoloration of the sclera due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. This yellowing is often more noticeable in the sclera than in other parts of the body.
Choice B Reason:
Dorsal surface of the foot is incorrect. The dorsal surface of the foot is not a reliable site for assessing jaundice, particularly in dark-skinned individuals. The skin on the feet may not show the yellow discoloration as clearly as the sclera.
Choice C Reason:
Pinnae of the ears is incorrect. The pinnae, or outer parts of the ears, are not typically used to assess for jaundice. The skin in this area may not show the yellow discoloration as effectively as the sclera.
Choice D Reason:
Palmar surface of the hand is incorrect. While the palms can sometimes show signs of jaundice, they are not as reliable as the sclera. The yellow discoloration may be less noticeable on the palms, especially in dark-skinned individuals.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Age dose of pain medication refers to adjusting the dosage of pain medication based on the client’s age. Elderly clients often have different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics compared to younger individuals, which means they may require lower doses of medication to achieve the same effect. This adjustment helps to prevent overmedication and potential side effects, ensuring safe and effective pain management for elderly clients.
Choice B Reason:
Correct method of administering your own pain medication is important for clients who are capable of self-administering their medication. However, this choice does not directly address the issue of balance deficit and the need for an assistive device. While proper medication administration is crucial, it is not the primary concern in this scenario.
Choice C Reason:
Operator can push the PCA button for you if you are asleep is not an appropriate practice. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is designed to allow clients to self-administer pain medication as needed. Allowing someone else to push the button can lead to overmedication and potential complications. This choice does not address the need for an assistive device for balance deficit.
Choice D Reason:
The pain medication is delivered at your nose is not a standard method of pain medication administration. This choice is incorrect and does not relate to the client’s need for an assistive device for balance deficit. Pain medication is typically administered orally, intravenously, or through other appropriate routes, but not through the nose.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
