When educating a patient newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse explains that increased thirst is an early sign of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). What action should the nurse advise the patient to take if this sign of DKA appears?

Choice A rationale

Applying ice, then a warm compress to the IV site may help with pain or inflammation, but it does not address the potential problem with the IV site itself. If the client is experiencing pain and refuses a flush to assess the site, it could indicate that the IV site is compromised.

Choice B rationale

Checking the medical record for the date of IV insertion could provide useful information about how long the IV has been in place, but it does not directly address the client’s current complaint of pain at the IV site.

Choice C rationale

Redressing the IV site while checking for redness could help identify signs of infection or inflammation, but it does not address the client’s complaint of pain or their refusal to have the site flushed.

Choice D rationale

Discontinuing the current IV site and inserting a new one is the most appropriate action in this situation. If the client is experiencing pain at the IV site and refuses a flush to assess the site, it suggests that the current IV site may be compromised. Inserting a new IV ensures that the client can continue to receive their scheduled IV medication safely.

Choice A rationale

Assigning the newly hired UAP to clients who require the least complex level of care might not be the best approach. While it might seem logical to assign less complex cases to a new hire, this could limit the UAP’s opportunities for learning and growth.

Choice B rationale

Reviewing the UAP’s skills checklist and experience with the person who hired the UAP is an important step, but it might not be enough to ensure adequate care for all clients. The skills and experiences listed on a checklist might not fully reflect the UAP’s actual abilities in a real-world setting.

Choice C rationale

Asking the most experienced UAP on the team to partner with the newly hired UAP could be beneficial for mentorship and guidance. However, this might not be the most efficient use of resources, especially if the experienced UAP has to spend a significant amount of time supervising the new hire.

Choice D rationale

Assessing the newly hired UAP’s competency level by observing the UAP deliver care is the most effective way to ensure adequate care for all clients. This allows the nurse to directly evaluate the UAP’s skills and abilities in a real-world setting, and to provide immediate feedback and guidance as needed.