A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV therapy in the left forearm and notices that the site is red, swollen, and warm. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

A. Inject the medication deep into the thigh muscle.

This statement is incorrect for subcutaneous heparin administration. Heparin is typically administered subcutaneously in the fatty tissue just under the skin, not into the muscle. Intramuscular injection is not appropriate for heparin.

B. Easy bruising indicates the medication is effective.

This statement is inaccurate. Easy bruising is not an indicator of the effectiveness of heparin. In fact, excessive bruising can be a side effect of anticoagulant therapy, indicating a potential issue with bleeding or clotting.

C. Expect stools to become black and tarry.

This statement is more relevant to medications like iron supplements or upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It is not a common side effect of subcutaneous heparin.

D. Use a soft bristle toothbrush.

This statement is correct. It is important for individuals on anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin, to use a soft bristle toothbrush to minimize the risk of bleeding and gum irritation. Hard bristle toothbrushes can cause gum bleeding, especially in individuals with a tendency for bleeding due to anticoagulant use.

A. Offer to request a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.

Indwelling urinary catheters come with their own set of risks and complications. It is generally not recommended to use them solely for the purpose of preventing falls unless there are other medical indications for their use. Catheters increase the risk of infection and other complications, and their use should be based on clear medical necessity.

B. Keep a night light on in the client's room.

This option directly addresses the client's concern about falling during the night. Providing a night light in the room helps to alleviate disorientation, making it safer for the client to navigate to the bathroom. It is a practical and non-invasive intervention.

C. Put the side rails up and tell the client to call for assistance to the bathroom.

While using side rails can be a fall prevention measure, it's important to consider that they are not without risks. Side rails can lead to entrapment or injury if not used appropriately. In addition, telling the client to call for assistance is good advice, but relying solely on this instruction may not address the immediate concern of disorientation in new surroundings.

D. Limit the client's fluid intake in the evening.

While limiting fluid intake in the evening might reduce the frequency of bathroom trips, it is not the most appropriate response to the client's concern. Dehydration can lead to other health issues and should not be used as the primary strategy for fall prevention.