Which criterion should a nurse use to determine the proper length of the needle to administer a subcutaneous (subcut) medication?

The correct answers are Choices A, B, C, and D.Choice A rationale:Inspection of lips and mucous membranes is a vital assessment technique for hydration status. Dryness or cracking of the lips and mucous membranes can indicate dehydration, as these areas are often affected by fluid loss. Observing these features helps healthcare providers assess the client's hydration level effectively.Choice B rationale:Pinching the skin on the back of the hand tests skin turgor, which is a reliable indicator of hydration status. If the skin does not return to its normal position quickly after being pinched, it suggests decreased skin elasticity due to dehydration. This method provides a quick visual and tactile assessment of fluid levels in the body.Choice C rationale:Measuring pulse and blood pressure is essential in evaluating hydration status. Changes in blood pressure (especially orthostatic hypotension) and pulse rate can indicate fluid volume changes in the body. An increased heart rate may suggest dehydration, while low blood pressure can indicate significant fluid loss.Choice D rationale:Obtaining the client's daily weight is a crucial method for monitoring hydration status. Weight fluctuations can provide insight into fluid retention or loss over time. A sudden decrease in weight may indicate dehydration, while an increase could suggest fluid overload or retention issues.Choice E rationale:Palpating scalp and hair distribution is not a common or effective method for assessing hydration status. While scalp condition may reflect overall health, it does not provide direct information about hydration levels compared to other methods listed.

Remove gloves, wash hands, remove face shield, gown, mask, and wash hands again. This is because gloves are the most contaminated piece of PPE and should be removed first to avoid touching other parts of the body or environment with them. Washing hands after removing gloves is also important to reduce the risk of infection. Face shields, gowns, and masks should be removed in that order, as they are less contaminated than gloves and can be handled with clean hands. Washing hands again after removing all PPE is the final step to ensure hygiene.

Choice A is wrong because it does not include washing hands after removing gloves, which is a crucial step to prevent contamination. It also removes the gown before the gloves, which can cause the gown to touch the face or hair and contaminate them.

Choice B is wrong because it does not include washing hands between removing gloves and gown, which can transfer germs from the gloves to the gown and then to the face or hair when removing the face shield and mask.

Choice D is wrong because it does not include washing hands between removing gloves and gown, which can transfer germs from the gloves to the gown and then to the face or hair when removing the face shield and mask. It also removes the gown before the face shield, which can cause the gown to touch the face or hair and contaminate it.

Normal ranges for PPE removal are not applicable as different types of PPE may require different methods of removal. However, some general principles are to remove PPE in a way that minimizes contact with contaminated surfaces, perform hand hygiene frequently, and dispose of PPE properly.