A nurse is examining the chest of a post-operative client. Upon palpation, the nurse notes a crackling sensation. Which of the following conditions would the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

The choice "Rectus Femoris" is not the correct answer. The rectus femoris is a muscle located in the thigh and is not a common site for intramuscular injections due to its location and proximity to important structures.

Choice B rationale:

The correct answer is "Vastus Lateralis." Choice B is the correct answer. The vastus lateralis muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the thigh and is a suitable site for intramuscular injections. It is often used in infants and young children or in adults who have limited deltoid muscle mass.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer is "Dorsogluteal." Choice C is the correct answer. The dorsogluteal muscle, located in the buttocks, has historically been used for intramuscular injections. However, it's important to note that due to the proximity of the sciatic nerve and the potential for incorrect injection technique, this site is used less frequently now.

Choice D rationale:

The choice "Lower abdomen" is not the correct answer. The lower abdomen is not a recommended site for intramuscular injections due to the risk of injuring underlying structures and the potential for subcutaneous injection instead of intramuscular.

Choice E rationale:

The correct answer is "Deltoid." Choice E is the correct answer. The deltoid muscle, located in the upper arm, is commonly used for intramuscular injections, especially for vaccines and smaller medication volumes. However, it has a limited muscle mass and may not be suitable for larger injection volumes.

Choice D rationale:

This statement by an assistive personnel (AP) indicates a need for further teaching. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the transmission of microorganisms, and it involves both handwashing and the appropriate use of gloves. Changing gloves between clients is important to prevent cross-contamination, but it doesn't replace the need for handwashing. Hands can become contaminated even with the use of gloves, and proper hand hygiene should be practiced before and after glove use.

Choice A rationale:

The statement about using alcohol-based hand products after most client contact is accurate. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands when soap and water are not readily available. They are especially useful in healthcare settings.

Choice B rationale:

Washing hands before providing client care is a fundamental principle of infection control. It helps remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms from the hands, reducing the risk of infection transmission.

Choice C rationale:

The statement about not wearing artificial nails when providing client care is correct. Artificial nails can harbor microorganisms and are challenging to clean thoroughly. They pose an infection risk and are generally not recommended for healthcare workers who provide direct patient care.