A nurse administered an IM injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of a needlestick injury?
Place a cap holder securely on the used needle before disposal
Recap the needle for disposal later.
Dispose of the used needle immediately in a sharps container.
Detach the used needle and dispose of it promptly.
The Correct Answer is C
c. Dispose of the used needle immediately in a sharps container.
The nurse should dispose of the used needle immediately in a sharps container to reduce the risk of a needlestick injury. Sharps containers are specifically designed for the safe disposal of needles and other sharp objects. By placing the used needle directly into a sharps container, the nurse eliminates the need for handling or manipulating the needle further, reducing the risk of accidental needlestick injuries.
Explanation for the other options:
a. Place a cap holder securely on the used needle before disposal: Cap holders are not recommended for securing used needles before disposal. They may not provide adequate protection against needlestick injuries and can potentially increase the risk of accidental needlesticks when atempting to secure the cap holder.
b. Recap the needle for disposal later: Recapping the needle increases the risk of a needlestick injury. It is generally not recommended to recap needles after use, as it poses a greater risk of accidental puncture.
d. Detach the used needle and dispose of it promptly: Detaching the needle from the syringe before disposal is not recommended, as it increases the risk of a needlestick injury. It is safer to dispose of the needle and syringe as a unit in a sharps container to minimize the risk of accidental puncture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should recommend that the client who has diminished breath sounds and paradoxical chest movement receive care first. This client is likely experiencing a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.
Option a is incorrect because a client who has a head injury and whose pupils are fixed and dilated may have experienced brain death and may not be able to be resuscitated.
Option b is incorrect because a dislocated shoulder, while painful, is not immediately life-threatening. Option c is incorrect because a scalp laceration with intermittent bleeding can be managed with pressure and is not immediately life-threatening.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The subjective indication that the client needs PRN (as needed) pain medication is when the client reports pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and it is essential to address the client's self-reported pain level and provide appropriate pain management.
Explanation for the other options:
a) The client's heart rate is 110/min: An increased heart rate can be an objective indication of pain, but it is not a subjective indication. Subjective indications are based on the client's self-report or personal experiences.
b) The client is guarding their abdominal incision: Guarding the abdominal incision may suggest discomfort or pain, but it is an objective indication that can be observed by the nurse. Subjective indications focus on the client's self-report.
c) The client exhibits facial grimacing: Facial grimacing can be an objective indication of pain, but it is not a subjective indication. Again, subjective indications are based on the client's self-report or personal experiences.
In this scenario, the most reliable and appropriate indication for administering PRN pain medication is when the client reports pain, as this acknowledges the client's own perception of their pain level.
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