A nurse is reinforcing teaching about promoting rest and sleep with a client who reports insomnia. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the teaching?

The correct answer is c. Asking the client to rate the pain. This is the most direct and reliable method to determine the effectiveness of a cold compress for pain relief.

Choice A Reason:

Having the client perform range-of-motion exercises of the arm: This statement is incorrect because it assesses mobility rather than pain or swelling. Range-of-motion exercises are typically used to evaluate joint flexibility and muscle strength, not the effectiveness of pain relief measures.

Choice B Reason:

Inspecting the site for reduced swelling: This statement is incorrect because, while it checks for swelling, it does not directly measure pain relief. Swelling reduction can be an indicator of decreased inflammation, but it does not provide a direct assessment of the client's pain levels.

Choice C Reason:

Asking the client to rate the pain: This is the correct choice because it directly measures the client's perception of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the most accurate way to assess it is by asking the client to describe or rate their pain. This method allows the nurse to gauge the effectiveness of the cold compress in providing pain relief.

Choice D Reason:

Monitoring the client's pulse rate: This statement is incorrect because pulse rate is not a direct indicator of pain or swelling reduction. While pain can sometimes cause an increase in pulse rate, it is not a reliable or specific measure of pain relief. Pulse rate can be influenced by various factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical activity.

Choice A reason: Thoroughly cleansing the affected area helps remove potential pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises washing needlestick injuries with soap and water.

Choice B reason: Squeezing the puncture site is not recommended because it can cause further injury to the tissue and does not effectively reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

Choice C reason: Flushing the puncture site with water is a good practice, but it should be done immediately, not just for 5 minutes. The initial washing is more critical.

Choice D reason: If indicated, postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be initiated as soon as possible, ideally within hours of exposure, to maximize its effectiveness. Delaying PEP until the following day is not advisable.