Hurst Readiness Practice Exam

In this scenario, the nurse should first question the prescription with the primary healthcare provider. This is crucial because a saline injection is not a conventional treatment for pain relief, and it raises concerns about the appropriateness of the prescribed intervention. By clarifying the prescription, the nurse ensures that the treatment aligns with the client's needs and safeguards patient safety. Engaging with the primary healthcare provider provides an opportunity to discuss the client's request for pain medication and potentially adjust the treatment plan to address the client's actual pain management requirements. Taking vital signs is an important assessment step but should not take precedence before clarifying the treatment plan, especially when the prescribed intervention seems inconsistent with the client's expressed concern for pain. Administering the injection without confirming its appropriateness would risk administering a treatment that may not be appropriate. Notifying the nursing supervisor may be beneficial in some situations, but it is more essential to address the discrepancy directly with the primary provider first. This ensures that the client receives the correct care based on their needs and circumstances.