A nurse is caring for client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion . The nurse notes the skin around the catheter's insertion site is edematous and cool. Which of the following actions is should the nurse take First?
Document the infiltration
Elevate the arm
Apply a warm compress.
Stop the infusion.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Document the infiltration: While documentation is an important part of the nursing process, it is not the first action to take. If an infiltration is suspected, the priority is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent further harm or fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues. Once the infusion is stopped, the nurse can then document the infiltration for medical record purposes.
B) Elevate the arm: Elevating the arm can help reduce swelling, but this should not be the first step. The first priority when infiltration is suspected is to stop the infusion, as continuing it can worsen the tissue damage and swelling. After stopping the infusion, elevating the arm may be considered as part of the subsequent management of the infiltration.
C) Apply a warm compress: A warm compress may be helpful after stopping the infusion, particularly if the infiltration involves non-vesicant fluids. However, applying a warm compress is not the immediate action. The first step should be stopping the infusion to prevent any further fluid from infiltrating the tissues.
D) Stop the infusion: The most immediate and appropriate action when infiltration is noted around the IV insertion site is to stop the infusion. This prevents additional fluid from leaking into the surrounding tissues, which could cause further damage. Once the infusion is stopped, the nurse can take other steps to manage the infiltration, such as assessing the site, applying a warm compress, or notifying the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) "I will stop what I am doing and lie down.": This is the correct response. When a client with stable angina experiences chest pain, they should stop any physical activity and rest in a comfortable position, preferably lying down. This helps reduce the heart’s workload and decrease the demand for oxygen, which can relieve the pain. Rest is important before taking any further action.
B) "I will take two 325 milligram aspirin tablets at the same time.": While aspirin can help reduce blood clot formation in some cases of chest pain, the recommended dosage is typically one 81-325 mg aspirin, not two 325 mg tablets. Taking two large doses may lead to an overdose or unwanted side effects. Additionally, this is not the immediate intervention for stable angina pain, which typically responds to rest and nitroglycerin.
C) "I will hold my breath and bear down.": This technique, known as the Valsalva maneuver, can increase intrathoracic pressure and slow the heart rate, but it is not recommended to relieve chest pain in stable angina. In fact, it could increase stress on the heart and worsen the symptoms. This maneuver is used in specific situations, such as slowing a rapid heart rate, not for chest pain relief.
D) "I will call the provider after taking one dose of nitroglycerin.": The client should first try nitroglycerin for chest pain as prescribed, and if the pain doesn’t resolve after one dose (or if it worsens), they should seek medical attention. However, in the case of stable angina, it's more appropriate to call the provider if the chest pain persists despite rest and nitroglycerin, not immediately after the first dose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Report the healing status of the client's surgical site to the provider:
While this is an important aspect of the nurse’s responsibilities, it does not involve the client in decision-making. Reporting the healing status is a task that requires clinical assessment, but it doesn't allow the client to have a role in making decisions about their care or treatment options.
B) Assist the client to perform exercises and ambulate on the unit:
Assisting the client with exercises and ambulation is important for recovery, but it doesn’t directly involve the client in decision-making. The nurse is providing physical assistance, but this action is more about carrying out the care plan rather than consulting or involving the client in making decisions about their care.
C) Consult the client about options proposed by the physical therapist:
This option best involves the client in decision-making. It allows the nurse to discuss with the client the different options proposed by the physical therapist and gives the client the opportunity to make informed decisions about their own care. This approach supports patient autonomy and ensures the client is an active participant in their rehabilitation process.
D) Ask the client to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10 every 12 hr:
While assessing pain is important for managing the client’s comfort, it doesn’t necessarily involve the client in decision-making. The client is providing information, but the nurse is still the one determining the course of action regarding pain management based on that input. It is more about assessment than collaboration in decision-making.
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