A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving intermittent IV fluids via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
Use a 3 mL syringe to flush the PICC following infusions.
Assess the PICC infusion system systematically.
Change the needleless connector device on the IV tubing after each infusion.
Provide daily dressing changes to the PICC insertion site.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Use a 3 mL syringe to flush the PICC following infusions: A syringe smaller than 10 mL creates excessive pressure, which can damage the catheter. A 10 mL syringe or larger should always be used to flush a PICC to maintain catheter integrity.
B. Assess the PICC infusion system systematically: Systematic assessment of the PICC line, including the site, tubing, and connections, is essential for detecting complications such as infiltration, infection, or occlusion. This promotes safe and effective use of the catheter.
C. Change the needleless connector device on the IV tubing after each infusion: The needleless connector device does not need to be changed after each infusion. It is typically changed every 7 days or if contamination, leakage, or other issues are noted.
D. Provide daily dressing changes to the PICC insertion site: PICC dressings should be changed every 7 days if using a transparent dressing, or sooner if the dressing becomes damp, loose, or visibly soiled. Daily dressing changes increase infection risk unnecessarily.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Fever: While fever may occur in pericarditis due to inflammation or infection, it is not specific to cardiac tamponade. It reflects a systemic inflammatory response rather than a mechanical complication like fluid accumulation compressing the heart.
B. Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation may develop in some cardiac conditions, including pericarditis, but it is not a hallmark feature of cardiac tamponade. It does not directly reflect the hemodynamic compromise seen with tamponade.
C. Paradoxical pulse: Paradoxical pulse (pulsus paradoxus) is a key sign of cardiac tamponade. It refers to an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, caused by restricted ventricular filling from fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, leading to reduced cardiac output.
D. Pericardial friction rub: A pericardial friction rub is a classic finding in acute pericarditis due to inflamed pericardial surfaces rubbing together, but it is not typically heard in cardiac tamponade, where fluid accumulation muffles heart sounds.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Notify the surgeon of the temperature elevation: While the surgeon may need to be informed if there are signs of infection or persistent fever, the nurse should first gather more data to determine the possible cause of the elevated temperature.
B. Encourage the client to drink more fluids: Increased fluid intake may help reduce mild postoperative fever, especially if it's related to dehydration or atelectasis. However, this is not the priority without assessing for infection first.
C. Assess the surgical incision for signs of infection: The priority is to assess for potential sources of infection, particularly the surgical site, given that the client is 3 days postoperative and has a fever. Early identification of infection is critical to prevent complications such as wound dehiscence or sepsis.
D. Monitor vital signs every 4 hr: Routine monitoring is important but does not take precedence over immediate assessment of the surgical site when there is a concerning temperature elevation. The nurse should act to identify the cause first.
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