A nurse is preparing to perform a capillary blood glucose test for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A) "I have been taking acetaminophen when my knees start to hurt.":
Taking acetaminophen for pain relief indicates that the client is managing the osteoarthritis symptoms appropriately. Acetaminophen is a recommended first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain associated with osteoarthritis and can help improve the client's quality of life by reducing discomfort.

B) "I've been sleeping on my back with a large pillow under my knees.":
Sleeping with a large pillow under the knees can cause the knees to remain in a flexed position for prolonged periods, potentially leading to joint stiffness and worsening pain. This practice is not typically recommended for clients with osteoarthritis as it can exacerbate symptoms.

C) "I have been exercising every day, even when I have pain.":
While regular exercise is beneficial for managing osteoarthritis, it is important to avoid exercising through significant pain. Pain during exercise may indicate overuse or joint damage. Clients should be encouraged to modify their activities to prevent further joint stress and manage symptoms effectively.

D) "I've been changing my lidocaine patches every 18 hours.":
Lidocaine patches are typically designed for 12-hour application periods, followed by a 12-hour off period. Changing the patches every 18 hours may not provide the intended relief and could lead to inconsistent pain management. Proper use of pain management techniques is essential for effective disease management.

A) Cleanse the client's finger with an antiseptic swab: The first step in performing a capillary blood glucose test is to cleanse the client’s finger with an antiseptic swab. This reduces the risk of infection and ensures that any contaminants on the skin do not affect the accuracy of the blood glucose reading.

B) Hold the client's finger in a dependent position: Holding the finger in a dependent position can help increase blood flow, but this step is taken after cleansing the finger. The priority is to first clean the area to minimize the risk of infection.

C) Wipe away the first drop of blood: Wiping away the first drop of blood is done to avoid contamination from interstitial fluid and to ensure a more accurate reading. However, this action occurs after the blood sample is obtained, not before the test begins.

D) Place the lancet on the side of the selected finger: While placing the lancet on the side of the finger is important for minimizing discomfort and obtaining an adequate blood sample, it follows the initial steps of cleaning the finger and preparing for the blood draw.