A nurse is caring for a client who has a central venous catheter and suddenly develops chest pain, dyspnea, dizziness, and tachycardia. The nurse suspects air embolism and clamps the catheter immediately. What other action should the nurse take at this time?
Remove the catheter.
Replace the infusion system.
Prepare for chest tube insertion.
Place the client on his left side in Trendelenburg position.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Remove the catheter: Removing the catheter may not be the immediate priority. The nurse should focus on preventing further air entry into the circulation and addressing the symptoms.
B. Replace the infusion system: While ensuring that the infusion system is intact is important, it is not the primary action needed to manage an air embolism.
C. Prepare for chest tube insertion: Chest tube insertion is not the primary intervention for an air embolism. The focus should be on preventing the progression of the embolism and providing supportive care.
D. Place the client on his left side in Trendelenburg position: This is the correct answer. Placing the client on the left side in Trendelenburg position is a maneuver used to trap air in the right atrium, preventing it from traveling to the pulmonary artery. The left side position helps to prevent the air from traveling to the right ventricle and into the pulmonary artery, reducing the risk of further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Instruct the woman to call 911: This is a correct action, but it should be the second step after the nurse initiates first aid measures. Directing someone to call for emergency assistance is crucial, but immediate intervention to relieve the choking takes precedence.
B. The Heimlich maneuver involves abdominal thrusts and is the recommended technique for relieving choking in a conscious person. It is essential to act quickly and decisively to clear the airway.
C. Ask the partner if he can speak: If the person is unable to speak, cough, or breathe, it may indicate complete airway obstruction. The nurse should not delay intervention by asking if the person can speak but should immediately proceed with measures to relieve the choking.
D. Perform chest compressions: Chest compressions are not indicated for a conscious choking victim. Chest compressions are performed in the context of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for an unconscious person with no pulse.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Carvedilol:Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Beta-2 blockade can lead to bronchoconstriction, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Clarification is needed to see if a cardioselective beta-blocker (like metoprolol) would be safer.
B. Captopril:Captopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly used in heart failure to reduce blood pressure and decrease the workload on the heart. It does not have bronchoconstrictive effects and is safe for use in clients with asthma.
C. Isosorbide dinitrate:Isosorbide dinitrate is a nitrate used to manage heart failure by dilating blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. It has no effect on bronchial smooth muscle and is not contraindicated in asthma, so no clarification is needed.
D. Fluticasone:Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used to manage asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways. It is beneficial in clients with asthma and does not pose a risk to clients with heart failure. There is no need to clarify this medication.
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