Chapter 11, Problem 9MC

Category: Reduction of Risk Potential In a busy surgical unit, a nurse is preparing to insert an I.V. catheter for a 33-year-old patient who is scheduled for elective surgery and has a notably hairy forearm where the I.V. is to be placed. The patient is allergic to a variety of adhesives and has sensitive skin that is prone to irritation. Given these considerations, how should the nurse manage excess hair at the intended catheter insertion site? A. Leaving the hair intact B. Shaving the area C. Clipping the hair in the area D. Removing the hair with a depilatory E. Applying a small amount of water-soluble gel to tame the hair without cutting F. Use a sterile surgical scalpel to trim the hair as close to the skin as possible without causing abrasions