A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who had prolonged exposure to cold weather and has a core body temperature of 32.5°C (90.5° F). Which of the following data is the priority for the nurse to monitor?

The correct answer is D.

Time of last pain medication. The nurse should include information that is relevant and essential for the continuity of care of the client, such as current assessment findings, interventions performed, response to treatment, and pending tests or procedures. The time of last pain medication is important to report because it affects the client's comfort level and mobility, and it helps the oncoming nurse plan when to administer the next dose of analgesia.

The steps required for dressing change are not necessary to report because they are usually standardized and documented in the policy manual or the care plan. The admission vital signs are not relevant to report because they do not reflect the client's current status. The preferred bath time is not essential to report because it can be obtained from the client or the chart.

A. Keep the finger in a dependent position:

• Keeping the finger in a dependent position (lower than the heart) helps promote blood flow to the fingertips, making it easier to obtain a blood sample. This position can facilitate the formation of a blood drop, improving the chances of obtaining an adequate sample for testing.

B. Wear sterile gloves:

• Sterile gloves are not typically necessary for routine capillary blood glucose monitoring. Clean, non-sterile gloves are generally sufficient for this procedure. However, the nurse should perform proper hand hygiene to minimize the risk of contamination.

C. Select the central tip of a finger:

• The central tip of the finger is more sensitive, and choosing this area may cause greater discomfort for the client. The sides of the fingertips are often preferred for capillary blood glucose testing as they have a good blood supply and are less sensitive.

D. Test the first drop of blood that forms after the puncture:

• The initial drop may contain tissue fluid or contaminants from the puncture site, so it is important to use the first drop to obtain a representative blood sample. This step contributes to the accuracy of the blood glucose measurement.