A nurse inadvertently administers 160 mg of valsartan PO to a client who was scheduled to receive 80 mg.

Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?

The correct answer is choice B. Apply direct pressure to the puncture site.

Choice A rationale:

Applying intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the percutaneous skin site is not the best approach. This method may not effectively control the bleeding and could potentially dislodge the introducer sheath.

Choice B rationale:

Applying direct pressure to the puncture site is the most effective way to control bleeding. Direct pressure helps to promote clot formation and reduce blood flow to the area, which is crucial in managing postoperative bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Elevating the affected extremity above the level of the heart is not appropriate in this situation. While elevation can reduce swelling, it does not address the immediate need to control active bleeding.

Choice D rationale:

Leaving the dressing undisturbed and notifying the physician immediately is not advisable. Immediate action to control the bleeding is necessary before notifying the physician. Delaying intervention could lead to significant blood loss.

The correct answer is choice A. The nurse should ensure the state health department has been notified of the child’s Lyme disease, as it is a reportable disease in most states.

Reporting helps to monitor the incidence and prevalence of Lyme disease and to implement prevention and control measures.

Choice B is wrong because antitoxin is not used to treat Lyme disease.

Antitoxin is a substance that neutralizes the effects of a toxin, such as botulism or tetanus. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Choice C is wrong because Lyme disease is not transmitted by sharing personal belongings. Lyme disease is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks that carry the

bacterium. The risk of getting Lyme disease can be reduced by avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and removing ticks promptly.

Choice D is wrong because skin necrosis is not a common complication of Lyme disease.

Skin necrosis is the death of skin tissue due to lack of blood supply or infection. Lyme disease can cause a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans, which is usually circular or oval and expands over time. Other possible signs and symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, and neurological problems.