A nurse is auscultating a client's carotid artery while performing a focused cardiac assessment and hears a bruit. The nurse should identify this finding as a manifestation of which of the following conditions?

Choice A rationale:

Selecting an injection site on the abdomen 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus might be an appropriate instruction for some subcutaneous injections, but the specific injection site can vary based on the medication and client's needs. This choice is not a universal instruction for all subcutaneous injections.

Choice B rationale:

Expelling the air bubble from a prefilled syringe before injecting the medication is essential to ensure accurate dosing. Air bubbles can displace medication and lead to underdosing. This step is crucial for safe and effective administration.

Choice C rationale:

Aspirating prior to injecting medication is a technique used for intramuscular injections to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel. However, for subcutaneous injections, aspirating is not necessary or recommended, as it can cause tissue damage and discomfort.

Choice D rationale:

Inserting the needle at a 15° angle is not a standard practice for subcutaneous injections. Subcutaneous injections are typically administered at a 45° or 90° angle, depending on the needle length and client's body composition. A 15° angle would not ensure proper medication delivery.

The correct answer is C.

Choice A reason: Walking on the client’s right side is incorrect because the nurse should walk on the client’s left side. This is the weaker side and the side where support is most needed.

Choice B reason: Instructing the client to look down at their feet when ambulating is incorrect because the client should be instructed to look straight ahead, not down at their feet, to maintain balance and prevent falls.

Choice C reason: Have the client sit on the side of the bed for at least 60 seconds before ambulating. This allows the nurse to assess the client’s tolerance and readiness for ambulation, and it helps prevent dizziness or fainting due to orthostatic hypotension.

Choice D reason: Placing the gait belt securely around the client’s lower chest is incorrect because the gait belt should be placed around the client’s waist, not the lower chest. This provides a secure grip for the nurse and allows for safer ambulation.