A nurse is caring for a client who states, "No wonder we can't get control of my pain! You don't even believe me when I tell you how much I hurt!" Which of the following defense mechanisms should the nurse identify the client using?

Rationale:

A. The nurse should dispose of the ampule in the trash can: Glass ampules are considered sharps and must be disposed of in a designated sharps container to prevent injury and maintain safety. Throwing them in regular trash is unsafe and violates standard precautions.

B. The nurse should use the same needle to draw up and inject the client: Using the same needle can introduce glass particles or contamination into the client’s tissue. A new sterile needle should be used for injection after withdrawing the medication to ensure safety and sterility.

C. The nurse should use a filter needle to withdraw the medication: A filter needle is designed to prevent small glass shards from being drawn into the syringe when breaking the ampule. This action protects the client from injury and ensures that the medication administered is free from particulate matter.

D. The nurse should break the neck of the ampule toward their body: The ampule should always be broken away from the body to prevent injury from glass shards. Breaking it toward oneself increases the risk of cuts and contamination, making it an unsafe practice.

Rationale:

• Stay with the client for the first 15 min of the transfusion: The first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion are critical for monitoring signs of a transfusion reaction, such as fever, chills, rash, or hypotension. Continuous observation allows the nurse to promptly intervene and prevent complications.

• Obtain the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: Retrieving the blood from the blood bank ensures that the correct product is available for transfusion and meets safety protocols. Verification of type and crossmatch is essential before administration.

• Document the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record: Accurate documentation of the transfusion, including product type, volume, time, and client response, is required for legal, medical, and safety purposes. It ensures continuity of care and provides a record for any adverse events.

• Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringers solution: Routine IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s is not indicated unless the client has persistent hypotension requiring fluid resuscitation. Blood transfusion itself is the primary intervention to correct anemia in this client.

• Titrate the rate of infusion to maintain the client's blood pressure at least 90/60 mm Hg: While monitoring blood pressure is important, adjusting the transfusion rate specifically to maintain a numeric BP is not standard practice. The transfusion rate should follow protocol, usually starting slow for the first 15 minutes and then adjusted per tolerance, not solely based on BP.