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?

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.

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix. One of the hallmark signs of placenta previa is painless vaginal bleeding, typically bright red in color. This bleeding can occur spontaneously or during activities that put pressure on the uterus, such as sexual intercourse or physical exertion.

A rigid abdomen is not typically associated with placenta previa. It may indicate other conditions, such as peritonitis or abdominal muscle rigidity, but it is not a characteristic finding of placenta previa.

Persistent uterine contractions are not typically associated with placenta previa. Placenta previa is more commonly associated with painless bleeding rather than contractions. However, if placenta previa is complicated by other factors, such as placental abruption, contractions and abdominal pain may be present.

Fetal movement is not directly related to placenta previa. Fetal movement can vary from person to person and does not specifically indicate placenta previa. However, it is important for the nurse to assess fetal well-being in clients with placenta previa as bleeding can impact the oxygen supply to the fetus.