ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored Related

Review ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?

  • A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
  • B. Notify the provider
  • C. Assess for signs of infection
  • D. Administer prescribed antibiotics
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter is to notify the provider. Pain and tenderness at the catheter site may indicate infection, and the healthcare provider needs to be informed for further assessment and appropriate interventions. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline (Choice A) should not be the initial action without consulting the provider first. While assessing for signs of infection (Choice C) is important, notifying the provider takes precedence. Administering prescribed antibiotics (Choice D) should only be done based on the provider's orders after assessment and confirmation of infection.