A nurse in an emergency department is reviewing the medical record of a client who is having an acute myocardial infarction.

Which of the following findings places the client at risk if he receives alteplase?

The correct answer is c. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface.

Choice A rationale:

Placing sterile gauze over areas of spilled solution within the sterile field is incorrect. If solution is spilled within the sterile field, the entire field should be considered contaminated and a new sterile field should be set up

Choice B rationale:

Holding the irrigation solution bottle with the label facing away from the palm of the hand is incorrect. The label should face the palm of the hand to avoid contamination of the sterile field

Choice C rationale:

Removing the cap and placing it sterile-side up on a clean surface is correct. This ensures that the sterile side of the cap remains sterile and can be used to recap the bottle after pouring the solution

Choice D rationale:

Holding the bottle in the center of the sterile field when pouring the solution is incorrect. The bottle should be held over the edge of the sterile field to avoid contamination of the field if solution spills

This action demonstrates the nurse’s role as an advocate and a resource person for the client, who might be eligible for financial assistance and health care coverage during her pregnancy and the postpartum period. Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
Choice A is wrong because contacting the adolescent’s parent for assistance might violate the client’s confidentiality and autonomy, especially if the parent is not aware of or supportive of the pregnancy. The nurse should respect the client’s right to privacy and self-determination unless there is a risk of harm to the client or the fetus.
Choice C is wrong because referring the adolescent to a local mental health clinic might imply that the client has a mental disorder or needs psychological counseling, which could be stigmatizing and discouraging.
The nurse should assess the client’s emotional state and coping skills, and provide supportive and nonjudgmental care. The nurse can also offer referrals to other community resources, such as prenatal education, parenting classes, or social services, that might benefit the client.
Choice D is wrong because advising the adolescent to place the newborn for adoption might interfere with the client’s decision-making process and personal values.
The nurse should not impose his or her own opinions or beliefs on the client but rather explore the client’s feelings and preferences about her pregnancy options. The nurse should provide factual information and education about adoption, abortion, or parenting, and help the client weigh the benefits and risks of each option.