An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is completing an orientation assignment and is caring for a client who needs assistance with bathing. What is the best way for the practical nurse (PN) to evaluate this UAP's performance?

The correct answer is choice D. Cleanse the finger with soap and water.

Choice A rationale:

Explaining the occurrence to the client is not the first action the PN should take in this situation. The priority is to address the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and ensure the PN's safety.

Choice B rationale:

Observing the appearance of the injection site is important for routine assessment but is not the first action the PN should take after getting stuck with the used needle. Immediate action to clean the wound site is essential to reduce the risk of infection.

Choice C rationale:

While notifying the charge nurse about the incident is important, it should not be the first action taken. The PN's safety should be addressed first by cleansing the finger.

Choice D rationale:

The PN should first cleanse the finger with soap and water immediately after getting stuck with the used needle. This action helps reduce the risk of infection and contamination. After cleansing, the PN can follow the facility's protocol for reporting incidents and seek necessary medical attention if required.

The correct answer is choice C. Report the findings to the charge nurse. Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to drink fluids is not the priority in this situation. While hydration is important, the client's symptoms of muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin might indicate a potential adverse reaction to the statin medication, which requires immediate attention.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the client's serum lipid levels is not the priority at this moment. The client's current symptoms suggest a possible adverse reaction to the statin medication, and waiting for lipid level results may delay necessary interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting the findings to the charge nurse is the priority action. The client's symptoms could be signs of rhabdomyolysis, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition where muscle breakdown releases toxic substances into the bloodstream. The charge nurse needs to be informed promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a PRN dose of acetaminophen is not the priority in this situation. Acetaminophen may help with pain relief, but it will not address the potential underlying issue of muscle soreness and fatigue related to the statin medication.