A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following the insertion of an arteriovenous graft in their left forearm. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Check the pulse distal to the graft.
Keep the left forearm below the level of the heart.
Collect blood specimens from the graft.
Splint the left forearm to prevent damage to the graft.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Checking the pulse distal to the graft is essential to ensure that the graft is patent and that there is adequate blood flow to the distal extremity. A palpable pulse indicates that the graft is functioning properly and not occluded. The absence of a pulse could signify a serious complication, such as thrombosis or stenosis, which requires immediate attention.
Choice B reason: Keeping the left forearm below the level of the heart is not recommended as it can increase venous pressure and swelling, potentially compromising graft function. The extremity should be kept at or above heart level to promote venous return and reduce the risk of edema.
Choice C reason: Collecting blood specimens from the graft is generally avoided to prevent damage to the graft. Blood draws can be performed from other sites to protect the integrity of the graft.
Choice D reason: Splinting the left forearm is not a standard postoperative care measure for an arteriovenous graft. While protecting the graft from injury is important, immobilization with a splint is not necessary and can impede mobility and circulation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A client with diabetes mellitus presenting with acute ketoacidosis does not necessarily require a private room unless there are other infection control concerns. Acute ketoacidosis is a metabolic complication of diabetes that can be managed in a general ward setting with appropriate medical care and monitoring.
Choice B reason: An older adult client admitted with aspiration pneumonia would benefit from a private room if the pneumonia is caused by an infectious agent that requires droplet or airborne precautions. However, aspiration pneumonia is often a result of inhaling food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs, and not always infectious.
Choice C reason: A client with a compound fracture of the right femur would require a private room if there is an associated risk of infection due to the open nature of the injury. However, standard precautions and wound care can often be managed in a semi-private or general ward setting unless there are specific infection control issues.
Choice D reason: A client reporting fever, night sweats, and cough for 2 days may be exhibiting symptoms of a communicable disease such as tuberculosis. This client would require a private room with airborne precautions to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and healthcare workers.
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 response from a painful stimulus in an unresponsive patient due to the potential for injury to the eye.
Choice B reason : Pressing down on the trapezius muscle is an acceptable method for eliciting a response from a painful stimulus in an unresponsive patient. This technique is less invasive and can be performed safely to assess the patient's level of consciousness or response to pain without causing harm⁸.
Choice C reason : Using a 25-gauge needle is not an appropriate method for eliciting a response from a painful stimulus in an unresponsive patient. This could cause unnecessary harm and is not a standard practice in clinical settings.
Choice D reason : Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is a method used to assess reflexes, not to elicit a response from a painful stimulus in an unresponsive patient. This tool is used to test neurological function and reflex integrity, not to assess pain response.
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