After an intravenous antibiotic is started, the nurse determines that the medication is not prescribed for the client and stops the infusion. Which action should the nurse implement next?

Choice A reason: This is the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. This indicates that the cuff was not inflated high enough to occlude the arterial blood flow and the initial systolic reading was inaccurate. The nurse should release the air, wait for 15 to 30 seconds, and then reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound. This will ensure a more accurate measurement of the blood pressure.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Continuing the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard will result in a lower systolic reading and a higher diastolic reading than the actual blood pressure of the client. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Repositioning the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point will not change the fact that the cuff was not inflated high enough to occlude the arterial blood flow. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Inflating the cuff quickly to a higher mm Hg reading than the previously auscultated systolic sound will cause discomfort and pain to the client and may damage the blood vessels. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because removing needle before discarding used syringes may expose the client or others to accidental needlestick injuries. The needle and syringe should be disposed of as a single unit in a puncture-resistant container.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because wearing gloves to dispose of the needle and syringe is not necessary if the client does not have contact with blood or body fluids. Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because washing hands before handling the needle and syringe reduces the risk of infection and contamination. Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent transmission of microorganisms.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because donning a face mask before administering the medication is not required unless the medication is aerosolized or nebulized. A face mask does not protect against needlestick injuries or bloodborne pathogens.