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

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the client to remain supine for 10 minutes after inserting a vaginal suppository helps ensure proper absorption of the medication. This position allows the suppository to stay in contact with the vaginal mucosa, promoting optimal drug absorption. This is an essential nursing action to maximize the therapeutic effect of the medication.

Choice B rationale:

Applying sterile gloves after cleansing the perineal area is not necessary when administering a vaginal suppository. While maintaining cleanliness is important, the use of sterile gloves is not typically required for this procedure. Clean, non-sterile gloves are sufficient to maintain aseptic technique during the administration.

Choice C rationale:

Inserting the suppository 3 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 in) into the vagina is an appropriate depth for vaginal suppository insertion. The nurse should follow this guideline to ensure that the medication reaches the appropriate location within the vaginal canal, optimizing absorption and effectiveness.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in the lateral semi-prone recumbent position is not a standard position for administering a vaginal suppository. The suppository is typically administered with the client lying on their back (supine) to facilitate insertion and medication absorption. Placing the client in the position described would not provide the optimal angle for insertion.

Choice A rationale:

In the "background" portion of the SBAR communication tool, the nurse should include the client's present condition. This information provides the provider with context and a clear understanding of the client's current status. It helps the provider to have a baseline understanding before moving on to the assessment and recommendation stages of the communication. Including the client's present condition allows the provider to quickly grasp the urgency and severity of the situation, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding the client's care.

Choice B rationale:

Suggestions for the provider regarding client care are typically included in the "assessment" or "recommendation" portions of the SBAR communication tool, rather than the "background" portion. The "background" portion is focused on providing information about the current situation and the client's present condition, setting the stage for the rest of the communication.

Choice C rationale:

Physical findings are part of the assessment and observation of the client's current condition. While important, these findings are better suited for the "assessment" portion of the SBAR communication. The nurse should summarize the physical findings in the "assessment" section after providing the context in the "background" section.

Choice D rationale:

Previous treatments are also relevant information, but they belong in the "assessment" or "background" portions of the SBAR communication tool. The nurse should provide the provider with information about the client's current condition before discussing previous treatments, as the provider needs to know the current situation before considering the relevance of past interventions.