A client is receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis since the arteriovenous (AV) graft in the right arm is no longer available for use for hemodialysis. The client has lost weight, has increasing peripheral edema, and has a serum albumin level of 1.5 g/dL (15 g/L). Which intervention is the priority for the nurse to implement?
Serum Albumin Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL (35 to 55 g/L)
Recommend the use of support stockings to enhance venous return
Ensure the client receives frequent small meals containing complete proteins
Evaluate patency of the AV graft for resumption of hemodialysis
Instruct the client to continue to follow the prescribed rigid fluid restriction amounts
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Support stockings may help with peripheral edema, but they are not the priority intervention for this client. The client's low serum albumin level indicates malnutrition and increased risk of infection and poor wound healing.
Choice C reason: Evaluating patency of the AV graft is not the priority intervention for this client because the client is receiving peritoneal dialysis, not hemodialysis. The AV graft may be used in the future if peritoneal dialysis fails, but it is not an immediate concern.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to follow fluid restriction amounts is important for peritoneal dialysis patients, but it is not the priority intervention for this client. The client's low serum albumin level indicates that fluid restriction alone is not sufficient to manage fluid balance and prevent edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B reason: Reviewing the hemoglobin to determine hemorrhage is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first identify and correct the cause of bleeding, such as bladder distension or uterine atony, before checking for blood loss and anemia.
Choice C reason: Massaging the uterus to decrease atony is not indicated in this case, because the uterus is already firm. Massaging a firm uterus can cause overstimulation and pain.
Choice D reason: Increasing intravenous infusion is not the first action, because it may worsen bleeding by increasing blood pressure and diluting clotting factors. The nurse should first assess and manage bleeding before administering fluids or blood products as prescribed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Observing the insertion site of the suprapubic catheter is an essential assessment for the home health nurse, as this can help detect any signs of infection, inflammation, or leakage. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice B: Palpating the flank area is not a necessary assessment for the home health nurse, as this is not related to the suprapubic catheter. This is a distractor choice.
Choice C: Measuring abdominal girth is not a relevant assessment for the home health nurse, as this is not affected by the suprapubic catheter. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D: Assessing the perineal area is not an important assessment for the home health nurse, as this is not involved in the suprapubic catheter. This is another distractor choice.
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