A client is receiving postoperative continuous bladder irrigation via a three-way indwelling catheter for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Twelve hours after the surgery, the practical nurse (PN) is monitoring the urine in the catheter's bedside drainage unit and observes that the drainage is a thick red fluid with clots. What action should the PN implement?

The correct answer is choice A: "It's OK if you don't want to look or talk about the mastectomy. I will be available when you're ready.”.

Choice A rationale:

This response shows empathy and understanding, acknowledging the client's feelings and respecting her decision not to look at or discuss the incision. It allows the client to take control of her own emotions and healing process, while also reassuring her that the nurse will be available whenever she feels ready to talk or see the incision.

Choice B rationale:

Telling the client that she will feel better when she sees the incision minimizes her feelings and may be seen as dismissive. It does not address her emotions or concerns and can be counterproductive to building trust and rapport.

Choice C rationale:

Suggesting to call another nurse to be present while showing the wound might make the client feel uncomfortable or pressured. It is essential to establish a therapeutic nurse-client relationship, and forcing the issue could increase the client's distress.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that part of recovery is accepting her new body image and needing to look at her incision is insensitive and inappropriate. It is not the nurse's role to dictate how the client should feel about her body or her healing process. Such a response could potentially harm the nurse-client relationship and hinder the client's emotional healing.

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.