A laboratory technician arrives to draw blood for a complete blood count (CBC) for a client who had a right-sided mastectomy 8 hours ago. The client has an intravenous line with fluid infusing in her left antecubital space. To obtain the blood specimen, the technician places a tourniquet on the client's right arm. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Call the surgeon to perform a femoral puncture.

Assist in holding the client's arm still.

Tell the technician to obtain the blood sample from the client's left arm.

Suggest a finger stick be done on one of the client's left fingers.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A: Call the surgeon to perform a femoral puncture. This action is not appropriate because it is unnecessary and invasive. A femoral puncture is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the femoral vein in the groin area to obtain a blood sample. It is usually reserved for situations where other veins are inaccessible or unsuitable, such as in trauma or shock. It is not indicated for a routine CBC test.

Choice B: Assist in holding the client's arm still. This action is not appropriate because it is harmful and contraindicated. Holding the client's arm still may cause injury or infection to the arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. It may also increase the risk of lymphedema, which is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the arm due to fluid accumulation and impaired lymphatic drainage.

Choice C: Tell the technician to obtain the blood sample from the client's left arm. This action is appropriate because it is safe and recommended. Obtaining the blood sample from the client's left arm can avoid complications such as injury, infection, or lymphedema in the right arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. The technician can use a different site than the antecubital space, such as the hand or wrist, to avoid interfering with the intravenous line.

Choice D: Suggest a finger stick be done on one of the client's left fingers. This action is not appropriate because it is unreliable and inaccurate. A finger stick is a procedure that involves pricking the finger with a lancet to obtain a small amount of blood for testing. It is usually used for point-of-care testing, such as glucose or hemoglobin levels, but not for a CBC test. A CBC test requires a larger volume of blood and a venous sample for accurate results.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Encourage her to turn, cough, and deep breathe at frequent intervals. This intervention is appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time because it can help prevent respiratory complications such as atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue) or pneumonia after surgery. Turning, coughing, and deep breathing can help expand the lungs, clear the airways, and improve oxygenation.

Choice B: Ask the client how she feels about having her breast removed. This intervention is not appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time because it may be too intrusive or insensitive. Asking the client how she feels about having her breast removed may trigger emotional distress or anxiety in the client who has just undergone a major surgery that affects her body image and self-esteem. The nurse should wait until the client is more stable and ready to talk about her feelings and concerns.

Choice C: Attach a sign above her bed to have BP, IV lines, and lab work in her right arm. This intervention is not appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time because it is incorrect and potentially harmful. Attaching a sign above her bed to have BP, IV lines, and lab work in her right arm may cause injury or infection to the arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. The nurse should attach a sign above her bed to have BP, IV lines, and lab work in her left arm instead.

Choice D: Position her right arm below heart level. This intervention is not appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time because it is incorrect and potentially harmful. Positioning her right arm below heart level may impair the blood circulation and lymphatic drainage of the arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. The nurse should position her right arm above heart level instead.

A. "You seem scared to talk to your parents." B. "If you want me to, I can tell your parents for you." C. "Your parents will have to be told why you are being admitted." D. "Give your parents a chance; they'll understand."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: "You seem scared to talk to your parents." This response is appropriate because it reflects the client's feelings and shows empathy and respect. It also opens the door for further communication and support from the nurse.

Choice B: "If you want me to, I can tell your parents for you." This response is not appropriate because it does not respect the client's autonomy and confidentiality. It also may make the client feel more anxious or helpless and may damage the trust between the client and the nurse.

Choice C: "Your parents will have to be told why you are being admitted." This response is not appropriate because it does not address the client's feelings or concerns. It also may sound harsh or threatening to the client, who may fear the consequences of telling her parents.

Choice D: "Give your parents a chance; they'll understand." This response is not appropriate because it does not acknowledge the client's feelings or concerns. It also may sound unrealistic or insensitive to the client, who may have valid reasons to doubt her parents' reaction or acceptance.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A woman who has undergone a right-sided modified-radical mastectomy returns from surgery. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A maternity client is in need of surgery. Which healthcare member is legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure?

A nurse in a family planning clinic is caring for a 17-year-old female client who is requesting oral contraceptives. The client states that she is nervous because she has never had a pelvic examination. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Which finding would the nurse expect in a client with bacterial vaginosis?

A pregnant woman diagnosed with syphilis comes to the clinic for a visit. The nurse discusses the risk of transmitting the infection to her newborn, explaining that this infection is transmitted to the newborn through the:

A nurse is reading a journal article about the care of a woman with pelvic organ prolapse. The nurse would expect to find information related to which disorder? Select all that apply.

A nurse is caring for a client who is one day postoperative following a left radical mastectomy. Which of the following behaviors should alert the nurse to the possibility that the client is having difficulty adjusting to the loss of her breast?

A nurse is working with a woman who has been diagnosed with severe fibrocystic breast disease. After describing the medications that can be used as treatment, the nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when the client identifies which drug as being used?