A female college student comes to the school's health clinic reporting urinary frequency and burning with right lower back pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Choice A reason: Withholding further opioid analgesics might be considered if the lack of bowel sounds is due to opioid-induced ileus. However, this is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The nurse should first document the finding and continue to assess the client's condition.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a prescription for a laxative might be appropriate if the client is experiencing constipation. However, administering a laxative without further assessment and documentation of the bowel sounds could lead to complications. The nurse should document the finding first and then collaborate with the healthcare provider for further interventions.

Choice C reason: Documenting the assessment finding is the most appropriate initial action. This ensures that the lack of bowel sounds is recorded in the client's medical record, which is crucial for ongoing monitoring and communication with the healthcare team. Proper documentation also helps in tracking changes in the client's condition and making informed decisions about subsequent care.

Choice D reason: Preparing to insert a nasogastric tube might be necessary if the client develops symptoms of bowel obstruction or other complications. However, this action should follow the documentation and further assessment of the client's condition. The nurse should document the finding first to provide a basis for any further interventions.

Choice A reason: Washing hands with warm soapy water before sticking the finger is a critical step in the process of self-monitoring blood glucose. Clean hands help prevent infections and ensure that the blood sample is not contaminated, which can affect the accuracy of glucose readings. This practice indicates that the client understands and can effectively follow the proper procedure for SMBG.

Choice B reason: Using a lancing device on the centre of the finger pad is not the correct technique. The sides of the finger pads are recommended for pricking because they are less sensitive than the centre and can provide a better sample with less discomfort. This indicates a misunderstanding of the correct procedure.

Choice C reason: Informing the healthcare provider of average haemoglobin A1C results weekly is unnecessary. Haemoglobin A1C is typically measured every 3 to 6 months to monitor long-term glucose control. Weekly reporting is not required and shows a lack of understanding about the appropriate use of A1C measurements.

Choice D reason: Documenting haemoglobin A1C results from the SMBG monitor every morning is incorrect. The SMBG monitor measures daily blood glucose levels, not haemoglobin A1C. Haemoglobin A1C provides an average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months and is not obtained from daily SMBG readings.