A nurse is preparing to administer an injection to a client.

Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take after administering the injection?

A.When mixing insulins, you should draw the short-acting insulin into the syringe first. This is done after injecting air into both vials (first into intermediate-acting, then into short-acting). Drawing intermediate-acting insulin first can contaminate the short-acting insulin vial with the longer-acting solution, which could alter the effectiveness of future doses.

B.Although this step is required when mixing insulins, it is not the first step. The nurse should first inject air into both vials to maintain vial pressure.

C.The nurse should inject air into the intermediate-acting insulin vial first because it helps prevent contamination and maintains the correct pressure within the vial. Intermediate-acting insulin, typically NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn), is cloudy, and air injection into the vial allows for easy withdrawal later on without disrupting the order of mixing.

D.Injecting air into the short-acting insulin vial is necessary but should be done after injecting air into the intermediate-acting vial. By injecting air into both vials first, the nurse prevents a vacuum effect, which can make it difficult to draw up the insulin. After injecting air, the nurse can draw the short-acting insulin into the syringe before moving to the intermediate-acting insulin. This order minimizes the risk of contamination.

The priority intervention for a client with a new diagnosis of terminal cancer is to discuss the client’s prior coping mechanisms.
This can help the nurse understand how the client has dealt with difficult situations in the past and can provide insight into how the client may cope with their current diagnosis.
Choice B is wrong because while teaching the client to use progressive relaxation techniques may be helpful in managing stress and anxiety, it is not the priority intervention.
Choice C is wrong because while helping the client find a local support group may provide emotional support, it is not the priority intervention.
Choice D is wrong because while developing a list of goals with the client may provide direction and focus, it is not the priority intervention.