A nurse assesses a patient’s peripheral IV site and notices edema and tenderness above the site. What action will the nurse take next?
Stop the infusion of IV fluids
Apply cold compresses to the IV site
Elevate the extremity on a pillow
Flush the catheter with normal saline
The Correct Answer is A
A. Stop the infusion of IV fluids:
This action may be appropriate if there are signs of infiltration or extravasation, where the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of entering the vein. Stopping the infusion can help prevent further tissue damage and assess the extent of the infiltration.
B. Apply cold compresses to the IV site:
Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort at the IV site. This action may be appropriate if there are signs of local inflammation or mild irritation at the insertion site.
C. Elevate the extremity on a pillow:
Elevating the extremity can help reduce swelling and promote venous return. This action is beneficial if there is edema or localized swelling above the IV site.
D. Flush the catheter with normal saline:
Flushing the catheter with normal saline is not typically the initial action in response to edema and tenderness above the IV site. Flushing is more commonly performed to ensure patency and proper functioning of the IV catheter.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Metabolic acidosis:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L) due to an excess of acids in the body or a loss of bicarbonate. However, in the given ABG values, the pH is low (7.22), but the bicarbonate level is elevated (28 mEq/L), which does not align with metabolic acidosis. Therefore, metabolic acidosis is not the correct interpretation in this case.
B. Respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the lungs, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood and a decrease in pH. In the ABG values provided, the pH is low (7.22), and the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis as the primary disturbance. This interpretation is supported by the elevated PaCO2 and the low pH, making it the correct choice based on the given data.
C. Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation, leading to excessive elimination of CO2 and a decrease in PaCO2 levels. However, in the ABG values presented, the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), which contradicts the expected decrease seen in respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, respiratory alkalosis is not the correct interpretation of the ABG values in this case.
D. Metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a high bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L) due to excessive loss of acids or an increase in bicarbonate levels. However, in the ABG values provided, the pH is low (7.22), and the bicarbonate level is elevated (28 mEq/L), which is not consistent with metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct interpretation based on the given data.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Electrical burns can have small amounts of skin damage, but more extensive damage beneath the skin.
This response is the best choice because it educates the client about the potential for deeper tissue damage associated with electrical burns. It acknowledges that while the burn on the skin may appear small, the damage underneath could be more extensive, affecting muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
B. Electrical burns commonly cause reddened/purplish skin without blistering.
This statement is not the best response because it focuses solely on the appearance of the skin without addressing the potential for deeper tissue damage. While it is true that electrical burns can present with reddened or purplish skin without blistering, this response does not provide comprehensive information about the nature and severity of electrical burns.
C. Electrical burns typically are minor.
This response is incorrect because it downplays the seriousness of electrical burns. While some electrical burns may indeed be minor, others can cause significant tissue damage and complications. It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the range of severity that electrical burns can present.
D. Electrical burns usually cause much more skin damage than what can be seen on your skin.
This statement is partially accurate but does not provide as much information as choice A. While it acknowledges that electrical burns can cause more damage than what is visible on the skin's surface, it doesn't emphasize the potential for deeper tissue damage as effectively as choice A does.
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