A nurse is caring for a client who is disoriented and has removed their IV catheter. After observing the RN reinsert the IV catheter, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A) Establishing the priorities of client care:

Establishing priorities of client care typically occurs during the planning phase of the nursing process, not during implementation. During the planning phase, the nurse identifies the most urgent client needs based on assessments and formulates a plan of action to address those needs.

B) Reinforcing teaching about the client's diagnosis:

Reinforcing teaching about the client's diagnosis is an appropriate activity during the implementation phase of the nursing process. Implementation involves carrying out the planned interventions, which may include educating the client about their diagnosis, treatment plan, and self-care strategies. Reinforcing teaching ensures that the client understands their condition and how to manage it effectively.

C) Asking the client about the presence of pain:

Assessing the client for pain is typically part of the assessment phase of the nursing process, not the implementation phase. During assessment, the nurse gathers data about the client's pain experience, including location, intensity, quality, and factors that alleviate or exacerbate pain.

D) Comparing the client's current laboratory values to previous results:

Comparing laboratory values is a component of data interpretation and analysis, which occurs primarily during the evaluation phase of the nursing process. While the nurse may review laboratory values during implementation to monitor the client's response to interventions, comparing current values to previous results is more closely associated with evaluating the effectiveness of care provided.

A) Sublingual medication is crushed and administered through a client's gastrostomy tube: This scenario represents a violation of the client's right to refuse treatment or medication. Administering medication through a route other than the one prescribed without the client's consent is inappropriate and can result in harm or adverse effects.

B) Finger nail marks appear on a client's wrist after a radial pulse was taken: This scenario indicates a violation of the client's right to be free from abuse. Evidence of physical harm, such as finger nail marks, suggests that the client may have been handled roughly or experienced unnecessary force during the procedure, which is unacceptable.

C) Pain medication is administered 1 hr before a client has a dressing change: While administering pain medication slightly ahead of a painful procedure may be appropriate to provide optimal pain relief, it does not inherently violate the client's rights if it aligns with the client's pain management plan and preferences. Therefore, this scenario does not represent a clear violation of client rights.

D) The same indwelling urinary catheter is reinserted after a failed attempt: Reinserting the same urinary catheter after a failed attempt could represent a violation of the client's right to safe care and freedom from unnecessary discomfort. Repeated attempts at catheter insertion without clinical justification increase the risk of infection and discomfort for the client.

E) Medications scheduled four times a day are administered 2 hr after the scheduled time: Administering medications significantly late violates the client's right to receive care in a timely manner. Delayed medication administration can affect treatment efficacy and compromise the client's well-being, especially for medications with strict dosing schedules.