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?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse is demonstrating the phase of nursing care known as "Implementation." During this phase, the nurse carries out the interventions and actions that were planned in the previous stages of the nursing process. In this scenario, applying warm compresses to the client's joint is a planned intervention that is being executed by the nurse.

Choice B rationale:

Planning is not the correct choice for this scenario. Planning is the phase of nursing care where the nurse sets goals, outcomes, and develops a plan of action based on the assessment data. It occurs before the implementation phase.

Choice C rationale:

Evaluation is not the correct choice for this scenario. Evaluation is the phase where the nurse assesses the outcomes of the interventions and determines whether the goals have been met. It comes after the implementation phase.

Choice D rationale:

Assessment is not the correct choice for this scenario. Assessment is the initial phase of the nursing process where the nurse collects data about the client's health status. It precedes the planning, implementation, and evaluation phases.

Choice A rationale:

Visual observation for nonverbal signs of pain can be useful, especially in patients who are unable to communicate verbally. However, this method is not as accurate or reliable as obtaining the client's self-report of pain severity, which directly allows the patient to express their experience.

Choice B rationale:

Vital sign measurement, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, can provide indirect information about a patient's pain level. However, vital signs can be influenced by various factors, including anxiety or other physiological responses. They may not always accurately reflect the intensity of pain and are not as specific as the client's self-report.

Choice C rationale:

The client's self-report of pain severity is the most reliable and accurate method for determining the intensity of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the client's self-report is crucial for effective pain management. Pain scales, such as numeric rating scales or visual analog scales, allow clients to describe their pain intensity in a standardized way.

Choice D rationale:

The nature and invasiveness of the surgical procedure are relevant factors to consider in understanding a patient's potential pain experience. However, this information alone is not sufficient for determining the current intensity of the client's pain. Pain levels can vary among individuals undergoing the same procedure due to differences in pain tolerance and perception.