To accurately take a client's blood pressure, which action by the nurse is most important?

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.

Choice B rationale:

Call for additional staff to assist with the transfer. The nurse's priority in this situation is ensuring the safety of the client during the transfer from the chair to the bed. Calling for additional staff provides the necessary support to safely move the client, minimizing the risk of falls or injuries. It is crucial to have an adequate number of staff members to assist in transfers, especially when the client's mobility is compromised.

Choice A rationale:

Obtain a walker for the client to use to transfer back to bed. While a walker can be helpful for mobility, the client has already asked to return to bed, indicating the immediate need for assistance. Waiting to obtain a walker could delay the transfer, potentially putting the client at risk.

Choice C rationale:

Use a transfer belt and assist the client back into bed. Using a transfer belt is a suitable technique for assisting clients with mobility. However, the nurse's priority in this scenario is to ensure there is enough staff assistance to guarantee a safe transfer. The nurse should not attempt to perform the transfer alone, even with a transfer belt, as it might be unsafe for both the nurse and the client.

Choice D rationale:

Determine the client's ability to help with the transfer. While assessing the client's ability to participate in the transfer is important, it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. The immediate concern is to secure adequate assistance to safely move the client back to bed.