A client reports pain worsening in their right forearm, rating the pain as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. The client also states their right hand is "tingly.”. The client is able to move their fingers.

The client is avoiding eye contact with staff and is more withdrawn.

The client's adult child is at the bedside.

The client appears drowsy and less alert, but is oriented to person, place, time, and situation.

The client's apical pulse is regular, and their lungs are clear to auscultation.

A report is given to the operating room nurse, and the client is en route to the surgical suite via gurney for repair of a right radial fracture.

Choice E rationale

Removing the old dressing is the first step in a dressing change procedure. It must be done to visualize the site and assess for signs of infection or other complications. Proper removal also prevents contamination of the new dressing materials and allows for thorough cleansing of the area before a new dressing is applied, which is a critical step in maintaining aseptic technique.

Choice C rationale

Masking is a crucial step in maintaining a sterile field and preventing cross-contamination. Donning a mask protects the client from respiratory microorganisms of the nurse and protects the nurse from potential splashes or aerosolized particles from the client's catheter site. This step is performed after removing the old dressing but before creating the sterile field to minimize contamination risk.

Choice B rationale

Creating a sterile field is an essential step in preventing microbial contamination of the catheter site. A sterile field provides a clean, controlled environment for sterile supplies and equipment. The nurse must establish this field after donning a mask and before touching any sterile items to ensure that the materials used for the dressing change remain free of pathogens.

Choice D rationale

Cleansing the site with an antiseptic solution like povidone-iodine is a critical step to reduce the bacterial load and prevent infection. This action is performed after the sterile field is established but before applying the new dressing. The antiseptic solution disrupts microbial cell membranes and inactivates enzymes, thus reducing the risk of a catheter-associated bloodstream infection.

Choice A rationale

Applying precut gauze pads is the final step in the sequence. These pads provide a protective barrier over the cleansed site, absorb any drainage, and prevent environmental microorganisms from entering the site. This action is taken after the site has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, ensuring that the new dressing remains sterile and effective. *.

Choice A rationale

Asking about the content of the voices helps the nurse assess for command hallucinations, which can pose a safety risk to the client or others. This open-ended question encourages the client to elaborate, providing crucial information about the severity, nature, and potential danger of the auditory stimuli, which is the primary goal of the assessment.

Choice B rationale

This question is counterproductive because it asks for a causal explanation that the client, due to their altered neurochemical state, cannot provide. It can also be perceived as challenging the reality of the client's experience, which invalidates their feelings and can damage the therapeutic relationship. This is not a therapeutic approach.

Choice C rationale

This redirects the conversation away from the client's immediate distress and the core issue of their hallucinations. While therapy is part of treatment, it may not be appropriate at this moment of crisis. The nurse’s priority is to first assess the immediate risk and support the client's immediate needs, before introducing another activity.

Choice D rationale

Asking about medication adherence can be perceived as accusatory and may cause the client to become defensive. While medication non-adherence can contribute to symptom exacerbation, the immediate priority is to assess the current risk level posed by the hallucinations, not to lecture the client about medication. This question is not therapeutic.