A nurse is caring for a client who received 50, 000 units of IV heparin rather than the prescribed 5,000 units. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Check the client for indications of bleeding
Monitor the client's aPTT levels
Complete an incident report.
Notify the risk manager.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Check the client for indications of bleeding: The priority action following a heparin overdose is to assess the client for signs of active or internal bleeding, such as hematuria, melena, bruising, or hypotension. Immediate assessment guides urgent interventions to prevent life-threatening complications.
B. Monitor the client's aPTT levels: Monitoring aPTT is important to evaluate the anticoagulant effect and guide treatment, but it is secondary to assessing for actual bleeding. Assessment of clinical signs takes precedence over laboratory monitoring in urgent situations.
C. Complete an incident report: Documenting the medication error is necessary for legal and quality improvement purposes, but it is not the first action. Patient safety and immediate clinical assessment come before reporting.
D. Notify the risk manager: Informing the risk manager is part of the incident reporting process, but addressing the client’s immediate safety needs comes first. Notification can occur after urgent assessment and stabilization.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Using this machine increases my risk of overdose.": PCA pumps are designed with safety features, including dose limits and lockout intervals, which reduce the risk of overdose. Understanding this helps the client recognize that PCA is a safe method for self-administered pain control when used correctly.
B. “I can get pain medication any time as long as I press the button”: The client can only receive medication according to the programmed dose and lockout interval. Pressing the button repeatedly will not override the safety mechanism, so this reflects a misunderstanding of how PCA pumps function.
C. "My partner can press my pain medication button for me if I am sleeping": PCA pumps are intended for self-administration only. Allowing someone else to press the button (a practice called “PCA by proxy”) can cause overdose and is unsafe, especially if the client is sleeping or sedated.
D. "I will receive a limited amount of pain medication when I press the button.": PCA pumps deliver a preset dose with a lockout interval to prevent overdose. This statement shows the client understands the safety mechanisms in place, indicating correct comprehension of PCA use.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Forearm: The forearm is not a recommended site for subcutaneous injections because it has limited subcutaneous tissue and is typically reserved for intradermal injections, such as allergy testing or tuberculosis screening.
B. Ventrogluteal: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for intramuscular injections due to the large muscle mass and low risk of nerve injury. It is not suitable for subcutaneous injections, which require fatty tissue rather than muscle.
C. Outer posterior aspect of upper arm: This site contains adequate subcutaneous tissue, is easily accessible, and is commonly used for subcutaneous injections such as insulin or heparin. It allows for proper absorption and minimizes the risk of intramuscular administration.
D. Vastus lateralis: The vastus lateralis is part of the thigh and is primarily used for intramuscular injections, especially in infants or adults needing large-volume IM medications. It is not a typical site for subcutaneous injections.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.