A nurse is part of a task force planning to audit a facility's nursing units concerning adherence to hand-hygiene protocols.
Which of the following steps should the task force take first?

The correct answers are A, B, and D.

Choice A reason:

Removing an indwelling urinary catheter when it is no longer indicated is a standard postoperative care practice. It helps to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common complications associated with prolonged catheter use. The normal practice is to remove the catheter as soon as the patient can use the bathroom independently or when medically advised.

Choice B reason:

Elevating the affected limb at chest level can help reduce swelling and improve venous return. This is particularly important after surgery involving the lower extremities to prevent edema and promote circulation. Proper elevation assists in managing pain and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Choice C reason:

Assisting with ambulation from bed to chair immediately after surgery may not be appropriate, especially if the adolescent has had surgery on the lower extremity. It is essential to wait for the physician's evaluation and specific instructions regarding weight-bearing and movement post-surgery.

Choice D reason:

Performing neurovascular assessments every hour is crucial after surgery on an extremity. This involves checking for sensation, motor function, color, temperature, capillary refill, and pulse strength. The normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds; a refill time of 4 seconds, as noted in the assessment, is abnormal and warrants close monitoring. Frequent assessments help in early detection of complications such as compartment syndrome.

Choice E reason:

Applying warm packs to the right extremity for the first 24 hours post-surgery is not recommended. Warm packs can increase circulation to the area, potentially increasing swelling and bleeding. Instead, cold packs are usually applied to reduce swelling and provide pain relief. The use of warm packs can be considered after the initial 24-hour period, depending on the surgeon's instructions and the wound's response.

Verify the client and blood product information with another licensed nurse.

Rationale:

1. A - This is not a correct procedure for client identification, but rather for blood compatibility. The nurse should check the client's blood type and crossmatch it against the blood product label, not the provider's orders.
2. B - This is not a reliable method of client identification, as the client may not know or remember their blood type correctly. The nurse should use two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, to confirm the client's identity.
3. C - This is not a relevant step for client identification, but rather for informed consent. The nurse should ensure that the client has signed an informed consent form before administering blood, but this does not verify that the blood product matches the client.
4. D - This is the correct procedure for client identification, as it involves two licensed nurses who independently check and confirm the client's identity and the blood product information, such as blood type, Rh factor, expiration date, and serial number.