A nurse is administering enoxaparin 40mg subcutaneous to a client for prevention of blood clots when the client suddenly moves causing the needle to exit the client’s tissue and stick the nurse’s finger. What is the nurse’s first priority action?

A. Palpation:

Palpation involves using the hands to feel for tenderness, masses, or abnormalities in the abdomen. It is typically performed after auscultation. This helps prevent stimulating bowel activity before listening to bowel sounds.

B. The order does not matter:

In the context of abdominal assessment, the order does matter. Following a specific sequence, such as inspection, auscultation, palpation, and then percussion, is recommended to ensure a comprehensive and accurate assessment.

C. Auscultation:

Auscultation involves listening to bowel sounds using a stethoscope. It is the next step after inspection. Listening to bowel sounds before palpation helps avoid artificially stimulating bowel activity.

D. Percussion:

Percussion involves tapping the abdomen to assess for the presence of fluid or air. While less commonly performed in routine abdominal assessments, it is usually the last technique after inspection, auscultation, and palpation.

A. Protect the muscles of the lower extremities from atrophy:

This statement is not the primary purpose of sequential compression devices (SCDs) and compression stockings. While these devices can help maintain muscle tone by promoting blood circulation, their primary function is to prevent blood pooling and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

B. Keep the blood from pooling in lower extremities to avoid clots:

This is the correct purpose of sequential compression devices and compression stockings. They are designed to promote venous return and prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots, especially in individuals at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

C. Keep the patient from getting sores on the skin:

Preventing sores on the skin is not the primary purpose of these devices. While improved circulation may contribute to skin health, preventing skin sores is not the primary therapeutic goal of SCDs and compression stockings.

D. Keep the patient’s joints in working order:

Maintaining joint function is not the primary purpose of sequential compression devices and compression stockings. These devices primarily focus on promoting venous circulation and preventing complications related to blood pooling and clot formation.