In preparing to discontinue a client's saline lock, the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client is receiving an antiplatelet medication. Which action should the PN implement?
Leave the saline lock in place and notify the charge nurse.
Plan to apply pressure over the site for several minutes.
Encourage the client to drink additional oral fluids.
Prepare a warm pack to apply after removing the lock
The Correct Answer is B
Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding or prolonged bleeding time. Therefore, when removing the saline lock, applying pressure over the site for several minutes helps to minimize the risk of bleeding and promote hemostasis.
A. Leaving the saline lock in place and notifying the charge nurse may not be necessary unless there are specific concerns or complications related to the client's condition.
C. Encouraging the client to drink additional oral fluids is not directly related to the discontinuation of the saline lock and the potential risk of bleeding associated with antiplatelet medication.
D. Preparing a warm pack to apply after removing the lock is not necessary for this situation. Warm packs are typically used for comfort or to promote circulation, but they are not directly related to the risk of bleeding associated with antiplatelet medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Taking a rectal temperature requires a higher level of skill and carries a higher risk of injury compared to other methods, especially when dealing with a 2-year-old child with leukemia. Given the client's condition, it is important to minimize any potential harm or discomfort. Taking a tympanic temperature is a safer alternative that provides an accurate reading without the risk of injury.
B. Reminding the UAP to lubricate the thermometer before insertion is not appropriate because the PN should not encourage or support the UAP in performing a rectal temperature on a high-risk client. The focus should be on using a safer and less invasive method.
C. Instructing the UAP to report the results to the PN immediately is not necessary in this situation because the PN has already determined that taking a rectal temperature is not appropriate.
Instead, the PN should guide the UAP toward using the tympanic method.
D. Observing the UAP to ensure the thermometer is inserted correctly is not appropriate in this case because the PN has already determined that taking a rectal temperature is not the recommended course of action. It is more appropriate to redirect the UAP to use an alternative method.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C.
Choice A reason:
Repeating the heel stick for glucose in one hour is not the best first action because it delays necessary treatment and the infant's glucose could drop further, potentially causing harm.
Choice B reason:
Offering nipple feedings of 10% dextrose is not the initial treatment of choice for neonatal hypoglycemia. Oral dextrose gel may be used, but the priority is to provide a source of nutrition, such as breast milk or formula, which offers more sustained glucose levels.
Choice C reason:
Begin frequent feedings of breast milk or formula. This is the first intervention to implement because the infant's current glucose level is below the normal neonatal range of [30 to 60 mg/dL or 1.7 to 3.3 mmol/L], indicating hypoglycemia, which is common in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes. Immediate feeding can help raise the blood glucose level safely.
Choice D reason:
Assessing for signs of hypocalcemia is not the immediate priority. While hypocalcemia can occur in newborns, particularly those with maternal diabetes, the current symptoms and glucose level suggest hypoglycemia is the primary concern. Signs of hypocalcemia include irritability, muscle twitches, jitteriness, tremors, and poor feeding, which can overlap with hypoglycemia symptoms. However, the heel stick glucose level clearly indicates hypoglycemia, which should be addressed first.
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