The nurse is preparing communication for a provider. The client is experiencing acute pain in the anterior forearm. Distal to the injury, he is experiencing a "pins and needles" sensation. The pulse is weak and the skin is pale. The nurse suspects an emergent condition. What is it?

Choice A reason: Postponing daily bed bath is not appropriate for reducing the risk of a friction and shear injury. Bed bath is a hygiene measure that helps to keep the skin clean and dry and prevent infection. Friction and shear are caused by the rubbing and pulling of the skin against the bed surface, not by the bed bath itself.

Choice B reason: Elevating the client’s head of the bed to 45 degrees is not appropriate for reducing the risk of a friction and shear injury. In fact, this may increase the risk as the client may slide down the bed due to gravity and cause more friction and shear on the skin. The head of the bed should be kept at the lowest possible angle, preferably less than 30 degrees, unless contraindicated by the client’s condition.

Choice C reason: Caregiver independently slides the client up in bed is not appropriate for reducing the risk of a friction and shear injury. This may cause more damage to the skin as the caregiver may exert excessive force and drag the client’s skin along the bed surface. The caregiver should use a draw sheet or a slide board to lift and reposition the client with the help of another person.

Choice D reason: Use a mechanical lift to reposition the client every 2 hours is the most appropriate intervention for reducing the risk of a friction and shear injury. A mechanical lift is a device that helps to transfer and reposition the client safely and comfortably. It reduces the friction and shear on the skin by lifting the client off the bed surface and avoiding any sliding or dragging. It also prevents the caregiver from injuring themselves by lifting the client manually. The client should be repositioned every 2 hours to relieve the pressure on the skin and prevent pressure ulcers.

Choice A reason: Flushing the exposed skin with water is the first action that the nurse should take if they are stuck by a needle. This is to reduce the amount of blood or body fluid that may have entered the wound and to prevent infection. The nurse should flush the skin for at least 15 minutes and avoid using soap, antiseptic, or bleach as they may damage the skin or increase the risk of infection.

Choice B reason: Reporting the exposure is the second action that the nurse should take after flushing the exposed skin with water. This is to inform the supervisor, the occupational health department, or the infection control team about the incident and to initiate the postexposure protocol. The nurse should provide the details of the exposure, such as the type and source of the needle, the depth and location of the wound, and the status of the source patient.

Choice C reason: Seeking medical attention is the third action that the nurse should take after reporting the exposure. This is to receive a medical evaluation and treatment, such as testing, prophylaxis, counseling, and followup. The nurse should consult a health care provider as soon as possible and follow the recommendations for preventing or treating any potential infections, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV.

Choice D reason: Completing an incident report is the last action that the nurse should take after seeking medical attention. This is to document the exposure and the actions taken and to identify the causes and the preventive measures for the future. The nurse should fill out the incident report form accurately and objectively and submit it to the appropriate authority. The incident report is not a part of the client's record and should not be mentioned in the client's chart.