A nurse is caring for a client who has bulimia nervosa.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is: a. The client’s date of birth.

Choice A reason: The client’s date of birth is a critical identifier in healthcare settings. It is unique to the individual and does not change, making it a reliable way to confirm a patient’s identity. This is especially important in acute care settings where accurate patient identification is crucial for safe medication administration. Using the date of birth along with another identifier, such as the patient’s name, aligns with the best practices for patient safety.

Choice B reason: While a client’s full medical diagnosis is important information for a nurse to know, it is not used as an identifier for medication administration. The diagnosis helps inform treatment decisions and care planning but does not uniquely identify a patient. Multiple patients could have the same diagnosis, which could lead to medication errors if used as an identifier.

Choice C reason: A client’s telephone number is not a standard identifier used in healthcare settings for medication administration. Telephone numbers can change and are not unique to an individual. They also do not provide immediate verification of a patient’s identity at the bedside.

Choice D reason: The room number of the client is not a primary identifier for patient identification in medication administration. Room numbers are not unique to individuals and can change if a patient is moved. It is possible for errors to occur if room numbers are used as the sole identifier, as another patient could be in that room at a different time.

The correct answer is: c. The AP pulls the pinna up and back.

Choice A reason: The AP inserting the probe with a straight, forward motion is not the correct technique for tympanic temperature measurement. The ear canal does not run straight forward into the head; instead, it curves slightly. Inserting the probe straight forward could potentially damage the ear canal or eardrum and would not provide an accurate temperature reading.

Choice B reason: Pointing the probe posteriorly is also incorrect. The tympanic membrane is located at the end of the ear canal, and the probe should be directed towards it. However, the probe should be angled slightly downward and toward the jawline, not straight back, to align with the ear canal and ensure an accurate reading.

Choice C reason: Pulling the pinna up and back is the correct method for adults and children over one year old. This action straightens the ear canal, allowing the thermometer’s sensor to get a clear path to the tympanic membrane, which is necessary for an accurate temperature reading. For infants, the correct method is to pull the earlobe straight back.

Choice D reason: The AP positioning the client facing her does not directly relate to the technique of measuring tympanic temperature. While it may be necessary for the AP to see the client’s ear, it is not an indication of understanding the correct procedure for tympanic temperature measurement.