A nurse is planning care for a school-age child who is 4 hr postoperative following appendicitis.

Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

The correct answer is choice B. Determine the client’s knowledge about diaphragm use. This is the first action the nurse should take because it allows the nurse to assess the client’s readiness to learn, identify any knowledge gaps, and tailor the teaching to the client’s needs.

Some of the other choices are wrong because:

• Choice A. Supervise return demonstration of diaphragm use.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it assumes that the client already knows how to use the diaphragm correctly and safely. The nurse should first teach the client how to insert, remove, and care for the diaphragm before asking for a return demonstration.

• Choice C. Document the client’s level of understanding about potential adverse effects.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it is part of the evaluation phase of teaching, not the assessment phase. The nurse should first determine what the client knows and needs to know about diaphragm use and its possible risks and benefits.

• Choice D. Teach the client how to insert the diaphragm.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it is part of the implementation phase of teaching, not the assessment phase. The nurse should first assess the client’s knowledge, motivation, and preferences before providing instruction on how to use the diaphragm.

A contraceptive diaphragm is a birth control device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus.

It is a small, soft silicone or rubber cup with a flexible rim that covers the cervix.

It is inserted into the vagina with spermicide before sex and is held in place by the pelvic muscles. It is a reusable type of contraception that women can use to avoid getting pregnant.

Choice A reason:

Measuring the arm circumference above the insertion site daily is appropriate. When planning care for a client scheduled to receive a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the arm, it is appropriate for the nurse to include measuring the arm circumference above the insertion site daily. This intervention is essential to monitor for any signs of complications, such as edema or swelling, which could indicate thrombosis or infiltration at the insertion site.

Choice B reason:

Administering sedation Administering sedation is not a routine intervention for a PICC insertion procedure is inappropriate. Sedation might be considered for certain procedures, but it is not typically used for PICC insertions. PICC insertions are generally performed with local anaesthesia at the insertion site.

Choice C reason:

Scheduling an MRI post procedure to verify placement An MRI is not typically used to verify the placement of a PICC. The placement of a PICC is usually confirmed using X-ray or other imaging methods that can visualize the catheter's location within the central veins. Post-procedure verification of PICC placement is essential to ensure proper positioning and to prevent complications.

Choice D reason:

Using gauze to secure an arm board to the involved extremity Using gauze to secure an arm board to the involved extremity is not a common practice for securing a PICC. After a PICC insertion, a securement device specifically designed for PICCs is typically used to secure the catheter in place and prevent movement.