A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient following abdominal surgery. The surgeon has prescribed a clear liquid diet.Which of the following items should the nurse include on the patient’s lunch tray?

Choice A rationale
Massaging the site after injection is not recommended. It can cause the insulin to be absorbed more quickly than intended, which could lead to hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Using cold insulin for injection to minimize site pain is not accurate. Insulin should be at room temperature when injected. Cold insulin can make the injection more painful.
Choice C rationale
Rotating the injection site is important to prevent lipodystrophy, a condition that causes abnormal fat deposits at the injection site. It also helps to keep insulin levels consistent.
Choice D rationale
Insulin is not absorbed most rapidly when injected in the thigh. The abdomen is actually the site where insulin is absorbed most quickly.

Choice A rationale
The nurse should prioritize the safety of the patient. If a patient is frequently attempting to remove his feeding tube, it could lead to complications such as infection or injury. Therefore, the nurse might need to consider using a restraint as a last resort. However, it’s important to note that restraints should only be used when all other alternatives have been explored and failed. These alternatives include having staff or a family member sit with the patient, using distraction or de-escalation strategies, offering reassurance, using bed or chair alarms, and administering certain medications.
Choice B rationale
Covering the catheter so the patient cannot see it might not be effective if the patient is aware of its presence and is determined to remove it. This approach does not address the underlying issue and may not prevent the patient from attempting to remove the feeding tube.
Choice C rationale
Providing more stimulation in the patient’s environment might be helpful in some cases, but it may not prevent the patient from attempting to remove the feeding tube. The effectiveness of this approach would depend on the specific circumstances and the patient’s condition.
Choice D rationale
Waiting until tonight to see if the patient continues this behavior could potentially put the patient at risk. If the patient is frequently attempting to remove the feeding tube, immediate action may be necessary to ensure the patient’s safety.