The healthcare provider prescribes cefazolin 500 mg IM every 6 hours. The available vial is labeled, "Cefazolin 1 gram,”. and the instructions for reconstitution state, "For IM use, add 2.5 mL sterile water for injection to provide a total volume of 3.0 mL.”. After reconstitution, how many mL should be administered to the client? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.).

The correct answer is Choice A. Temperature. Choice A rationale:

The practical nurse (PN) should complete the data collection for temperature first. A large amount of sanguineous drainage on the abdominal incision dressing could indicate possible infection or a change in the client's condition. Elevated temperature may be an early sign of infection, which requires immediate attention and appropriate intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Assessing the pain scale is important, but it can be addressed after completing the data collection for temperature. Pain assessment is essential for providing appropriate pain management, but it is not the most urgent concern when there is a significant amount of drainage from the incision site.

Choice C rationale:

Checking bowel sounds is relevant in postoperative care, but it is not the priority at this moment. Abdominal incision drainage takes precedence as it may indicate a more critical issue that requires immediate attention.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring blood pressure is essential, but it is not the most immediate concern in this scenario. A large amount of sanguineous drainage from the abdominal incision takes precedence over blood pressure monitoring at this time.

This is the best action that describes the responsibility of the PN because it ensures that the client has given informed consent for the invasive examination and that the consent form is valid and documented. The PN should verify that the provider has explained the examination, its risks and benefits, and alternative options to the client and that the client has agreed to proceed.

A. Explaining the examination and asking the client to sign the consent form is not the responsibility of the PN but of the provider who will perform the examination.

B. Obtaining the medical record for the correct signed consent form prior to the examination is not enough to ensure informed consent and may not involve any interaction with the client.

C. Asking if the client understands the exam and why the consent form must be signed is not enough to ensure informed consent and may not address any questions or concerns that the client may have.