The nurse observes that there are reddened areas on the cheekbones of a client receiving oxygen per nasal cannula at 3 L/minute, and the client's oxygen saturation level is 92%. Which intervention would the nurse implement?

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.

Choice A Reason: This is correct because providing comfort measures such as topical warm application and tactile massage can help reduce pain perception and promote relaxation by stimulating non-painful sensory receptors.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because assisting the client to ambulate as much as possible during waking hours can increase pain intensity and fatigue by aggravating inflamed or injured tissues. The nurse should encourage moderate physical activity within the client's tolerance level.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because determining client's subjective measure of pain using a numerical pain scale can help assess pain severity and effectiveness of pain management interventions. Pain is a subjective experience that varies among individuals.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging increased fluid intake and measuring urinary output every 8 hours are not directly related to pain management. These interventions are more relevant for clients with fluid imbalance or renal impairment.

Choice E Reason: This is correct because implementing a 24-hour schedule of routine administration of prescribed analgesic can help maintain a steady level of analgesia and prevent breakthrough pain. Chronic pain requires continuous treatment rather than on-demand administration.