A client who was admitted yesterday with severe dehydration is reporting pain where a 24 gauge intravenous (IV) catheter with normal saline is infusing at a rate of 150 mL/hour. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Establish a second IV site.
Stop the normal saline infusion.
Assess the IV for blood return. D. Discontinue the 24 gauge IV.
Discontinue the 24 gauge IV.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect- While a second IV site might be considered if the first one is causing significant discomfort, it's not the initial intervention. The nurse should first address the immediate concern of pain.
B) Correct- Pain at the IV site during infusion might indicate infiltration or irritation. Stopping the infusion is the most immediate intervention to prevent further discomfort and potential complications like tissue damage.
C) Incorrect- While assessing for blood return is important to ensure proper IV placement, it's not the initial intervention for managing pain caused by the infusion.
D) Incorrect- Discontinuing the IV might be considered if the pain is severe and unmanageable, but the nurse should initially try to address the discomfort without removing the IV.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A radial pulse is the pulse felt at the wrist, where the radial artery runs along the thumb side of the forearm. It is one of the most common sites for measuring a person's heart rate.
- To measure a radial pulse, the examiner should place two or three fingers over the radial artery, just below the wrist crease, and apply gentle pressure until a pulsation is felt. The examiner should not use the thumb, as it has its own pulse and may interfere with the accuracy of the measurement. The examiner should count the number of beats for 15, 30, or 60 seconds, depending on the regularity and rate of the pulse.
- In the picture, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is using the thumb to measure the radial pulse, which is incorrect. The practical nurse (PN) should demonstrate the correct pulse site to the UAP and explain why using the thumb is not appropriate. This will help to ensure that the UAP obtains an accurate and reliable pulse rate for the client.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer, while options A, B, and D are incorrect.
Option A is incorrect because instructing the UAP to report any abnormal findings does not address the error in technique.
Option B is incorrect because reminding the UAP to check the pulse volume does not address the error in technique.
Option D is incorrect because confirming the accuracy of the pulse rate obtained by the UAP does not address the error in the technique.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Enrolling the UAP in a hospital education class on conducting safe client care is unnecessary at this moment. The immediate concern is ensuring the client's safety during the procedure.
B. Stopping the procedure and instructing the UAP to place the client in Fowler's position (or at least semi-Fowler's) is the correct action. This position helps prevent aspiration during oral hygiene for an unconscious client.
C. Praising the UAP for performing oral hygiene does not address the safety risk present in this situation. While family participation is encouraged, it should not be the focus here.
D. Telling the UAP to continue because the unconscious client is positioned safely is incorrect, as the flat side-lying position increases the risk of aspiration. Ensuring the client is positioned properly is essential for their safety.
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