A nurse is planning to administer insulin to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus, what action should the nurse perform first?

A. Administer metronidazole:

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections, particularly those caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. It is not effective against viral infections like influenza. Administering metronidazole would not prevent the spread of influenza.

B. Don protective eyewear before entering the room:

Protective eyewear is typically worn when there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids or other potentially infectious materials that could splash or splatter into the eyes. While protective eyewear is an important infection control measure in certain situations, it is not specifically indicated for preventing the spread of influenza, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets.

C. Place the client in a negative airflow room:

Negative airflow rooms are designed to prevent airborne transmission of infectious agents by maintaining negative air pressure, which prevents contaminated air from flowing out of the room and into adjacent areas. While negative airflow rooms may be used for certain infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, they are not typically indicated for influenza, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. Moreover, negative airflow rooms are often limited in availability and may not be necessary for every client with influenza.

D. Wear a mask when working within 3 feet of the client.

Influenza is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing a mask when working within close proximity (within 3 feet) of the client helps prevent the nurse from inhaling respiratory droplets containing the influenza virus, reducing the risk of transmission. Masks act as a barrier that helps trap respiratory secretions and prevent them from reaching the nurse's mouth and nose.

A. Administer the client's insulin dose using a tuberculin syringe:

While using an appropriate syringe for insulin administration is important, ensuring the accuracy of the dosage precedes the actual administration. Therefore, verifying the dose takes precedence over selecting the syringe.

B. Use a filter needle when withdrawing medication from the multidose vial:

While using a filter needle can be beneficial to prevent contamination, ensuring the correct dosage is more critical in preventing adverse effects associated with incorrect insulin administration.

C. Verify the dose of insulin with another nurse once it is prepared.

Before administering insulin to a client with type 1 diabetes, it is essential to ensure accuracy in dosage. Verifying the dose with another nurse helps minimize the risk of errors, ensuring the client receives the correct amount of insulin. This step aligns with the principle of double-checking medications for safety, especially in critical situations like insulin administration.

D. Mix the client's long-acting and rapid-acting insulin dose in one syringe:

Mixing different types of insulin in one syringe is not standard practice unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. This step should be performed only if explicitly ordered an