A nurse is caring for a client who has a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) for the administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The transparent dressing over the insertion site requires replacement. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Aspirate the catheter to check for a brisk blood return.
Use sterile technique for the procedure.
Cleanse the insertion site with hydrogen peroxide.
Flush the TPN port with 20 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Aspirating the catheter to check for a brisk blood return is not typically recommended as a routine action when replacing the dressing of a PICC line used for TPN. This action is performed to verify patency and placement of the catheter, but it is not directly related to the dressing change procedure.
Choice B reason: Using sterile technique for the procedure is essential when replacing the dressing of a PICC line. Maintaining sterility is crucial to prevent infection, as the PICC line provides direct access to the central venous system. The nurse should use sterile gloves and follow aseptic protocols to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens at the catheter insertion site.
Choice C reason: Cleansing the insertion site with hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for PICC line care. Hydrogen peroxide can be damaging to the tissue and may delay healing. Instead, a chlorhexidine-based antiseptic is typically used to clean the skin around the insertion site during dressing changes to reduce microbial flora and prevent infection.
Choice D reason: Flushing the TPN port with 20 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride is a practice used to maintain catheter patency, but it is not part of the dressing change procedure. Flushing is usually done before and after administering medication or nutrition, not specifically during a dressing change.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Anticonvulsants are medications used to prevent seizures. While seizures can occur after a stroke, anticonvulsants are not routinely prescribed unless the patient has a history of seizures or has experienced seizures post-stroke. Therefore, anticonvulsants would not be the standard pharmacologic therapy for all patients being discharged after an ischemic stroke.
Choice B reason: Diuretics are used to remove excess fluid from the body and are commonly prescribed for conditions such as heart failure or high blood pressure. They are not typically used as a standard treatment for ischemic stroke unless the patient has a specific condition that requires fluid management.
Choice C reason: Antithrombotic agents, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed to patients after an ischemic stroke to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes. These medications work by inhibiting platelet aggregation and are a key part of secondary prevention in stroke management.
Choice D reason: Opioid analgesics are strong painkillers that are used to treat severe pain. They are not typically prescribed upon discharge for ischemic stroke patients unless there is a specific indication for pain management that cannot be managed with other medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye is not a recommended method for eliciting a pain response due to the risk of causing injury to the eye.
Choice B reason: Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common and safe method to elicit a pain response in an unresponsive patient. It is less invasive and carries a lower risk of injury compared to other methods.
Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle is not a standard practice for eliciting a pain response due to the risk of puncture and infection.
Choice D reason: Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is used to assess neurological function, not to elicit a pain response in an unresponsive patient.
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