A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale: Administering enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously in the deltoid site is incorrect. Enoxaparin is typically administered in the abdomen or thigh to ensure proper absorption and minimize the risk of injury. Administering it in the deltoid requires an incident report for protocol deviation.

Choice B rationale: Advancing the urinary catheter 18 cm (7 in) is standard practice for male clients to ensure the catheter reaches the bladder. There is no indication of error or the need for an incident report as this action follows proper procedure.

Choice C rationale: Cleansing a wound with 0.99% sodium chloride irrigation prior to collecting a specimen for culture is standard practice. This action ensures the wound is free from surface contaminants and does not necessitate an incident report.

Choice D rationale: Flushing the tubing of a continuous enteral feeding with 30 mL of water is standard practice to maintain patency and ensure the effectiveness of the feeding. This procedure follows guidelines and does not require an incident report.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to ambulate is not appropriate when the client has a high fever of 40°C (104°F). Ambulation requires physical exertion and can potentially worsen the client's condition, especially when they are already experiencing discomfort due to the fever.

Choice B rationale:

Giving the client a cold sponge bath might seem like a logical approach to reduce fever; however, it is not the most effective and safest method. Cold water can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, potentially increasing the body's metabolic demands and raising the temperature further. Additionally, sudden temperature changes can be uncomfortable and may not provide sustained fever reduction.

Choice C rationale:

Administering antipyretics as prescribed is the correct choice. Antipyretic medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, work to lower fever by acting on the hypothalamus, the body's temperature-regulating center. By reducing fever, the body's metabolic rate and oxygen consumption are decreased, which can help prevent complications associated with high fever, such as dehydration and discomfort.

Choice D rationale:

Providing a cooling fan can offer some comfort, but it might not be sufficient to effectively lower the client's high fever. Fans primarily work by promoting evaporative cooling, which may not be efficient when the body temperature is significantly elevated. Additionally, relying solely on a cooling fan might delay the necessary intervention of administering antipyretic medication.