A client has a triple lumen subclavian central venous catheter (CVC) with D51/2NS infusing through one lumen (port) at 75 mL per hour. The nurse has an order to transfuse one unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). The nurse's safest action is to:
contact the prescriber to decrease the rate of the D51/2 NS during the blood transfusion
stop the D51/2NS, check the client's vitals & notify the prescriber.
Fluids cannot be given through a CVC.
Insert a 22 gauge peripheral IV to administer the transfusion
transfuse the unit of packed red blood cells through a separate lumen of the CVC
The Correct Answer is E
A. contact the prescriber to decrease the rate of the D51/2NS during the blood transfusion: There's no need to alter the rate of maintenance fluids unless there's a fluid volume concern. Additionally, decreasing the rate would not address the need for a dedicated blood transfusion line if another lumen is available.
B. stop the D51/2NS, check the client's vitals & notify the prescriber: Stopping necessary fluids without cause may compromise fluid balance. Unless there's a compatibility issue or no other lumen, stopping the infusion is not the safest or most efficient action.
C. Fluids cannot be given through a CVC: Central venous catheters are routinely used for administering fluids, medications, and blood products, especially in critical care settings.
D. Insert a 22 gauge peripheral IV to administer the transfusion: While blood can be given through a peripheral IV, using an existing central venous catheter is safer and more efficient, especially when multiple lumens are available. Inserting a new IV unnecessarily increases infection and complication risks.
E. transfuse the unit of packed red blood cells through a separate lumen of the CVC: This is the safest and most appropriate action. Triple-lumen CVCs allow for simultaneous infusions through separate channels without mixing. Blood should be transfused through a dedicated lumen to avoid incompatibility or dilution by other fluids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer amiodarone IV push followed by a continuous infusion: Amiodarone is part of the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithm for ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, but it should only be given after confirming the rhythm and initiating basic life support steps, including pulse check.
B. Establish unresponsiveness and check the carotid pulse: The rhythm strip shows ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening arrhythmia. However, before initiating advanced interventions such as defibrillation, the nurse must first confirm the client is unresponsive and pulseless, which is the correct initial action according to ACLS protocols.
C. Immediately defibrillate the client using the synchronous mode: Defibrillation is the correct treatment for VF, but it must be done in unsynchronized mode. Additionally, it is not appropriate to defibrillate until pulselessness is confirmed. Synchronized mode is used for rhythms like unstable SVT or atrial fibrillation not VF.
D. Initiate a rapid response call and increase the monitor’s sensitivity: A rapid response team is called for deteriorating patients who are still responsive. If the client is unresponsive and pulseless, a code blue or cardiac arrest protocol should be initiated, not just a rapid response. Monitor sensitivity adjustments are irrelevant in a confirmed life-threatening rhythm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Apply transcutaneous pacemaker pads: While this is a potential intervention for symptomatic or severe bradycardia unresponsive to medications, it is premature as a first step in this scenario. The client is stable with a heart rate of 50 bpm and no mention of hemodynamic compromise.
B. Place the client in Trendelenburg position: This position is used to improve venous return in hypotensive patients, but there is no evidence of hypotension or poor perfusion. It is not an appropriate response to mild bradycardia in this context.
C. Call the doctor for an order to decrease the infusion rate: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that slows AV node conduction, potentially causing bradycardia. Since the heart rate has dropped to 50 bpm, the most appropriate first action is to contact the provider to adjust the infusion rate, which may be too high for the client’s current rhythm.
D. Administer a dose of atropine: Atropine is used for symptomatic bradycardia. If the client is asymptomatic and the bradycardia is mild and medication-induced, adjusting or discontinuing the offending agent should be attempted before administering atropine.
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