A nurse accidentally sticks her hand with a syringe needle after administering an IM injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Report the incident to the charge nurse.
Wash the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water.
Go to employee health services.
Complete an incident report.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is important, but it's not the first action to take in this situation. The immediate concern should be addressing the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first step the nurse should take after an accidental needlestick. It helps reduce the risk of infection by cleaning the wound and removing any potential contaminants.
Choice C rationale:
Going to employee health services is a valid step, but it's not the immediate action needed after an accidental needlestick. Cleaning the wound should come first.
Choice D rationale:
Completing an incident report is important for documentation purposes, but it is not the nurse's first priority in this situation. Immediate wound care takes precedence.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Autonomy:This principle refers to respecting a patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the nurse's actions did not directly impact the client's autonomy, as the client was not involved in the decision-making process regarding the incident report.
B. Veracity:This principle involves being truthful and transparent. By not completing an incident report, the nurse failed to uphold veracity, as this action concealed the truth about the medication error, potentially affecting future care and trust in the healthcare system.
C. Confidentiality:This principle is about protecting patient information. The nurse's failure to report the incident did not violate confidentiality, as it did not involve disclosing or mishandling the client's private information.
D. Beneficence:This principle focuses on doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient. While the nurse's intention might have been to avoid unnecessary alarm, failing to report the incident could prevent the healthcare team from learning from the mistake and improving patient safety, thus indirectly affecting beneficence.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Cyanosis - Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. This is an objective sign that can be visually assessed, not based on the patient's description.
Choice B rationale:
Petechiae - Petechiae are small, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. Like cyanosis, this is a physical finding that can be observed directly.
Choice C rationale:
Dizziness - This is the correct choice. Dizziness is a subjective sensation that the patient experiences. It cannot be directly observed and relies on the patient's description of feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or having a spinning sensation.
Choice D rationale:
Blood pressure - Blood pressure is an objective measurement that can be taken using a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope or automated device. It is not based on the patient's description and does not fall under subjective data.
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