What would the nurse identify as the best pre procedure nursing intervention for a client who is scheduled for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) testing?
1. Obtain vital signs before administering an oral sedative.
2. Check for allergy to iodine and shellfish.
3. Start a peripheral intravenous line.
4. Explain the procedure to the client.
Answer: 4
The best preprocedure nursing intervention for the noninvasive test of a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is client education, because the procedure is painless and noninvasive. The nurse should explain to the client to wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid garments that have zippers, belts, or buttons that are made of metal. Objects such as keys or wallets that would be in the area being scanned should be removed. No preprocedure medications are administered, and contrast medium is not used. (Ignatavicius, Workman, 7 ed., p. 1123.)