Question

a nurse is caring for a female client who is prescribed an indwelling urinary catheter. which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

perform a routine cleansing of the perineal area.

place the client in a dorsal recumbent position.

set up a sterile field with catheterization supplies.

determine if the client has any physical limitations.

Explanation:

When performing a procedure like inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse must first assess the client's physical condition. Determining if the client has any physical limitations (such as joint problems that could affect positioning) is crucial as it will impact the entire catheterization process (e.g., how to position the client safely, if additional assistance is needed). Cleansing the perineal area, setting up a sterile field, and positioning the client are steps in the catheterization process, but assessing the client's physical state (including limitations) comes first to ensure safety and proper execution of subsequent steps.

Answer:

Determine if the client has any physical limitations.