A nurse is providing nail care for a client.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:
Impedance plethysmography is a test that uses electrical signals to measure blood flow and can be used to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, it is not the first-line diagnostic tool for DVT.
Choice B rationale:
Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain, but it is not a diagnostic measure for DVT.
Choice C rationale:
Venous duplex ultrasound is the most common test used to diagnose DVT. It uses sound waves to create pictures of the blood flowing through the veins in the leg.
Choice D rationale:
Homan’s sign is a physical examination finding that was traditionally used to diagnose DVT, but it is not reliable or specific.

The correct answer is choice B. Inject 20 units of air into the NPH insulin vial.

Choice A rationale:

Replacing the needle for withdrawal with a safety needle is an important step to ensure safety and prevent needle-stick injuries. However, this action is not the first step when mixing two types of insulin. The initial steps involve preparing the insulin vials by injecting air into them.

Choice B rationale:

Injecting 20 units of air into the NPH insulin vial is the correct first step. This is because NPH insulin is a suspension and needs to be mixed properly. Injecting air into the vial helps to equalize the pressure, making it easier to withdraw the correct amount of insulin later. This step is crucial to ensure accurate dosing and proper mixing of the insulin.

Choice C rationale:

Injecting 10 units of air into the regular insulin vial is also necessary, but it is not the first step. The correct sequence is to first inject air into the NPH insulin vial, then into the regular insulin vial. This order helps prevent contamination of the regular insulin with NPH insulin.

Choice D rationale:

Withdrawing 10 units of insulin from the regular insulin vial is an important step, but it should be done after injecting air into both vials. The correct sequence ensures that the insulin is mixed properly and that the doses are accurate.

By following these steps in the correct order, the nurse ensures that the insulin is mixed safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring proper glycemic control for the patient.