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?

Choice A reason:
Palpation can help assess for tenderness, rigidity, or masses in the abdomen, which might indicate infection, bleeding, or other complications. However, palpation could potentially worsen a condition such as an evisceration or dehiscence, or cause additional pain. Therefore, palpation should be done only after the visual inspection and with great caution in the presence of severe pain.
Choice B reason:
Percussion is useful for assessing the presence of gas, fluid, or solid masses in the abdomen. Resonance might indicate normal air-filled intestines, while dullness could suggest fluid or mass. However, percussion is not the first action in an acute setting of sudden severe pain because it does not provide immediate information that could be life-saving. It is a later step in the physical examination.
Choice C reason:
Visual inspection is the first step because it can quickly reveal critical signs such as swelling, distention, redness, or evidence of wound complications like dehiscence or evisceration. Identifying these signs early allows for rapid intervention, which could be life-saving. This is why exposing and inspecting the abdomen is the priority in the context of sudden severe pain following surgery.
Choice D reason:
Listening for bowel sounds can provide information about the function of the gastrointestinal system. Absence of bowel sounds might suggest a paralytic ileus, while hyperactive sounds could indicate a bowel obstruction. However, in the context of sudden, severe abdominal pain postoperatively, auscultation is not the first priority.

Choice A reason:

Checking medication expiration dates is important to ensure that medications are safe and effective.

Choice B reason:

Having a fire escape plan is crucial in case of emergencies such as fires. It's important for the client and their family to know how to evacuate the home safely.

Choice C reason:

Setting the hot water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot and can lead to scalding. The recommended temperature is typically around 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns.

Choice D reason:

Applying tape to frayed electrical cords is not a safe practice. Frayed cords should be replaced to avoid electrical hazards.

Choice E reason:

Using grab bars when getting in and out of the bathtub can prevent slips and falls, especially in a potentially slippery environment.