A nurse accidentally sticks her hand with a syringe needle after administering an IM injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Wash the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water.
Go to employee health services.
Complete an incident report.
Report the incident to the charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first and most immediate action to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of bloodborne pathogens. This should be done as soon as possible after the injury.
B. Going to employee health services is necessary but should follow immediate first aid measures.
C. Completing an incident report is important for documentation and accountability but is not the immediate priority after a needle-stick injury.
D. Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is necessary for proper protocol but does not take precedence over ensuring the injury is properly cleaned first.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Discarding the tablet and obtaining another dose is the safest option, as it ensures the medication's integrity and prevents any potential contamination.
B. Using the tablet's packaging to pick it up is not appropriate as it could introduce contaminants from the surface of the counter to the tablet.
C. Washing the tablet with alcohol is not advisable because it could alter the medication's properties or effectiveness.
D. Placing the tablet directly into a medication cup without addressing its contamination would also be inappropriate and could jeopardize client safety.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Determining the location of the pain is the first step, as it helps the nurse understand the nature and source of the pain, guiding appropriate intervention and medication administration.
B. Repositioning the client may provide comfort but should follow an assessment of the pain to ensure targeted interventions.
C. Administering the medication without understanding the specifics of the pain is inappropriate, as it may not adequately address the client’s needs.
D. Reviewing the effects of the pain medication is important but should occur after assessing the pain to ensure the correct medication is administered based on the client’s specific situation.