A nurse is preparing to obtain a blood specimen from a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Collect 4 mL/kg of blood in a 24-hr period.
Apply lidocaine cream 30 min prior to collecting the specimen.
Ask the parents to leave the room prior to collecting the blood specimen.
Demonstrate the use of the equipment to the child.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Collect 4 mL/kg of blood in a 24-hr period: This volume exceeds safe limits for blood collection in small children. The guideline is not to exceed 3 mL/kg over 24 hours unless clinically necessary, as excessive draws can lead to anemia or hemodynamic instability.
B. Apply lidocaine cream 30 min prior to collecting the specimen: While lidocaine-prilocaine cream can be helpful, it typically requires at least 60 minutes to achieve adequate dermal analgesia. Applying it for only 30 minutes may not be sufficient to reduce pain effectively.
C. Ask the parents to leave the room prior to collecting the blood specimen: Parents are often a source of comfort and reassurance for preschoolers. Unless their presence is disruptive, involving them in the process can help calm the child and improve cooperation.
D. Demonstrate the use of the equipment to the child: Preschoolers benefit from age-appropriate explanations and demonstrations. Showing them the equipment reduces fear and anxiety by promoting familiarity and a sense of control in an unfamiliar situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Disconnecting the catheter from the drainage bag to empty the bag: This increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the closed urinary drainage system, leading to potential catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The drainage bag should be emptied without breaking the system.
B. Emptying the drainage bag when it is half full: This prevents backflow of urine, which could lead to infection or increased bladder pressure. Regular emptying also allows for accurate measurement of urine output and maintains client comfort.
C. Keeping the drainage bag above waist level: Elevating the bag above the bladder increases the risk of backflow of urine into the bladder, which can introduce bacteria and cause infection. The bag should always remain below the level of the bladder.
D. Using sterile gloves when emptying the drainage bag: Sterile gloves are not necessary for this procedure. Clean gloves are sufficient since the nurse or AP is not entering the sterile parts of the urinary system but rather emptying the bag from the outlet port.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has heart failure and received a diuretic 30 min ago: While this client should be monitored for urine output and signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, there is no indication of acute distress requiring immediate attention.
B. A client who has hypertension and reports a severe headache: This could indicate a hypertensive crisis or impending stroke, both of which are life-threatening and require urgent assessment and intervention to prevent neurological damage or organ failure.
C. A client who reports frequent and painful urination: These are signs of a urinary tract infection, which, while uncomfortable, is not typically emergent unless accompanied by fever, flank pain, or systemic symptoms.
D. A client who reports left arm pain following a fall: The arm pain may indicate a fracture, but it is less urgent than potential end-organ damage from a hypertensive emergency, assuming no deformity or vascular compromise is described.
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.