A client with difficult venous access has an intravenous insertion site located at the bend of the wrist.
Which action would be most appropriate for a nurse to take?
Place the arm across the client’s chest to support the wrist.
Use a wrist restraint to decrease mobility in the arm.
Apply an arm board to immobilize the wrist.
Instruct client to limit use of that arm.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because immobilizing the wrist prevents kinking or dislodgement of the intravenous catheter and reduces the risk of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection.
Some additional information for the response are:
Choice A is wrong because placing the arm across the client’s chest may compromise venous return and increase the risk of thrombosis.
Choice B is wrong because using a wrist restraint may cause skin breakdown, nerve damage, or impaired circulation.
Choice D is wrong because instructing the client to limit use the of that arm may not be sufficient to prevent catheter movement or accidental removal.
Normal ranges for venous access depend on the type and location of the catheter, but some general values are: potassium (3 to 5 mEq/L), blood urea nitrogen (10 to 20 mg/dL), and central venous pressure (8 to 12 mmHg).
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is the most therapeutic response because it shows respect for the client’s autonomy and allows the nurse to explore the client’s concerns and feelings about the medication.
It also helps to establish trust and rapport with the client. Choice B. Report refusal to the charge nurse.
This is wrong because it does not address the client’s immediate needs and may make the client feel ignored or dismissed.
Choice C. Explain the purpose of the medication.
This is wrong because it may sound like lecturing or persuading the client, which can increase resistance and hostility.
Choice D. Encourage the client to take the medication.
This is wrong because it does not acknowledge the client’s right to refuse treatment and may imply that the nurse knows better than the client what is best for them.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Notify the health care provider. The nurse should take this action first because the provider can prescribe appropriate interventions to prevent or minimize harm to the client.
The nurse should also inform the unit supervisor, document the error in the client’s medical record, and record the error on the appropriate quality improvement report, but these are not the priority actions.
Choice A is wrong because informing the unit supervisor is not the most urgent action. The supervisor can provide support and guidance to the nurse, but cannot prescribe interventions for the client.
Choice C is wrong because documenting the error in the client’s medical record is not the most urgent action.
The nurse should document the error after notifying the provider and assessing the client. Documentation should include the medication name, dose, route, time, client’s response, and actions taken.
Choice D is wrong because recording the error on the appropriate quality improvement report is not the most urgent action.
The nurse should record the error after notifying the provider and assessing the client. The report should include a factual description of what happened and what was done.
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