A provider orders potassium chloride, 20 mEq, orally, once daily.
The nurse knows that the abbreviation mEq stands for which of the following?

Choice D rationale:

When preparing to open a sterile pack, the nurse must touch only the inner surface of the inner wrapper to maintain sterility. This is a fundamental principle of aseptic technique. Sterile items should be handled with care to prevent contamination. By touching only the inner surface of the inner wrapper, the nurse ensures that the contents of the pack remain sterile and safe for use in medical procedures. Any contact with the outer surface or other non-sterile items can compromise the sterility of the contents.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the sterile pack on a clean surface is a good practice but does not ensure the maintenance of sterility. Sterile items should be placed on a sterile surface or field to prevent contamination. Placing the pack on a clean surface may still expose it to potential contaminants, compromising its sterility.

Choice B rationale:

Turning the pack so that the first flap faces the nurse's body is incorrect. The first flap should be opened away from the nurse to avoid the risk of contamination. By opening the flap away from the nurse, any potential contaminants in the air are less likely to come into contact with the sterile contents.

Choice C rationale:

Opening the right-side flap first is not a standard practice for opening a sterile pack. The choice of which side to open first may vary based on individual preference or the design of the packaging. The key factor is to maintain the sterility of the contents by handling the pack appropriately, as mentioned in choice D.

The correct answer is choice C: Move any clients to safety.

Choice C rationale: The nurse's priority is always client safety. In the event of an electrical issue that poses a potential risk, such as smoke or fire, the nurse should first ensure that any clients in the area are moved to a safe location. This aligns with the widely-used RACE acronym for fire response (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish), which highlights the importance of removing individuals from danger before attending to other aspects of fire safety.

Choice A rationale: Using a fire extinguisher is an appropriate action to take when dealing with a small, manageable fire. However, in this scenario, ensuring client safety takes precedence over attempting to extinguish the source of the smoke. This is also in line with the RACE mnemonic, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing evacuation.

Choice B rationale: Activating the fire alarm is an important step to alert others in the building about a potential fire and the need for evacuation. However, the priority remains client safety, so moving clients to a safe location should be the nurse's initial response, following the RACE acronym.

In summary, the nurse's priority action when encountering an electrical hazard is to move clients to safety. After ensuring client safety, the nurse can then activate the fire alarm and, if trained to do so, use a fire extinguisher on the outlet if necessary. This approach aligns with the RACE mnemonic, which serves as a guideline for fire response.