A nurse is preparing to insert an IV catheter for a client following a right mastectomy.

Which of the following veins should the nurse select when initiating IV therapy?

The nurse should first identify the impact of the mastectomy on the client’s body image.
This is because the client’s behavior of avoiding looking at her dressings and being tearful suggests that she may be struggling with changes to her body image after the surgery.
By identifying and addressing this issue, the nurse can provide appropriate emotional support and interventions to help the client cope with these changes.

Choice A is not the first action the nurse should take because referring the client to a breast cancer support group may be helpful, but it is not addressing the immediate concern of the client’s emotional state.
Choice C is not the first action because encouraging the client to assist with her dressing changes may be premature if she is still struggling emotionally with her body image.
Choice D is not the first action because providing the client with a mirror to look at her mastectomy incisions may be overwhelming for her if she is not yet ready to confront her changed appearance.

The nurse should first auscultate the client’s bowel sounds.
This will provide important information about the client’s gastrointestinal function and can help determine the cause of the client’s symptoms.
Choice A is wrong because while offering pain medication may provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms.
Choice C is wrong because palpating the abdomen before auscultating bowel sounds can alter the bowel sounds and make it more difficult to accurately assess the client’s condition.
Choice D is wrong because administering an antiemetic may provide temporary relief from nausea and vomiting, but it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms.