A nurse on the Cardiovascular unit is completing the patient's history and physical examination. Which of the following information provided by the patient should the nurse consider as subjective data?

Choice A rationale:

Intramuscular administration involves injecting medication into muscle tissue, which may result in slower and variable absorption rates. It is not the optimal route for providing fast and complete absorption of Furosemide.

Choice B rationale:

Subcutaneous administration delivers medication into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. While it can be used for some medications, it generally results in slower absorption compared to intravenous administration, and it may not be suitable for Furosemide, which requires rapid action in a severe heart failure situation.

Choice C rationale:

Oral administration involves taking medication by mouth, and the absorption process can be influenced by factors such as gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit time. In an urgent scenario of severe heart failure, oral administration might be too slow and unpredictable.

Choice D rationale:

Intravenous administration allows for the fastest and most complete absorption of Furosemide. By directly delivering the medication into the bloodstream, it bypasses the absorption barriers of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to rapid onset of action and predictable effects, which is crucial in managing acute heart failure. This route is commonly used in critical situations where immediate therapeutic effects are needed.

Choice D rationale:

This statement by an assistive personnel (AP) indicates a need for further teaching. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the transmission of microorganisms, and it involves both handwashing and the appropriate use of gloves. Changing gloves between clients is important to prevent cross-contamination, but it doesn't replace the need for handwashing. Hands can become contaminated even with the use of gloves, and proper hand hygiene should be practiced before and after glove use.

Choice A rationale:

The statement about using alcohol-based hand products after most client contact is accurate. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands when soap and water are not readily available. They are especially useful in healthcare settings.

Choice B rationale:

Washing hands before providing client care is a fundamental principle of infection control. It helps remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms from the hands, reducing the risk of infection transmission.

Choice C rationale:

The statement about not wearing artificial nails when providing client care is correct. Artificial nails can harbor microorganisms and are challenging to clean thoroughly. They pose an infection risk and are generally not recommended for healthcare workers who provide direct patient care.