The nurse is caring for a client receiving an intravenous medication that is a vesicant. The IV flow has stopped and there is pain, burning and swelling at the IV site. What action should the nurse take first?
Elevate the extremity on a pillow
Immediately remove the catheter
Keep the catheter in place
Place a cool compress on the area
The Correct Answer is B
B. When a client experiences symptoms of extravasation, such as pain, burning, and swelling, especially with a vesicant medication, the priority is to stop the infusion and remove the catheter immediately to prevent further tissue damage. Removing the catheter promptly helps minimize the amount of medication that may have leaked into the surrounding tissues.
A. Elevating the extremity on a pillow may help reduce swelling and discomfort in some cases, but it is not the first action the nurse should take when a vesicant medication has caused pain, burning, and swelling at the IV site.
C. Keeping the catheter in place is not advisable when extravasation has occurred, especially with a vesicant medication. Continuing the infusion could lead to further tissue damage and exacerbate the client's symptoms. Removing the catheter is necessary to prevent additional medication from entering the surrounding tissues.
D. While applying a cool compress may provide temporary relief from discomfort, it is not the first action the nurse should take when managing extravasation caused by a vesicant medication. The priority is to stop the infusion, remove the catheter, and assess the extent of tissue damage. Cool compresses may be used after the catheter removal to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "STAT" stands for "immediately" or "at once" in medical terminology. When a medication order is marked as STAT, it means that the medication should be administered as soon as possible, without delay. This abbreviation is used for urgent situations where the medication needs to be given promptly.
B. "PRN" stands for "pro re nata," which translates to "as needed" in Latin. When a medication order is marked as PRN, it means that the medication should be administered as required based on the patient's needs or symptoms. The timing of administration is not fixed but depends on specific conditions or situations, such as pain or nausea.
C. "TID" stands for "ter in die," which translates to "three times a day" in Latin. When a medication order is marked as TID, it means that the medication should be administered three times daily, at regular intervals throughout the day.
D. "QID" stands for "quater in die," which translates to "four times a day" in Latin. When a medication order is marked as QID, it means that the medication should be administered four times daily, at regular intervals throughout the day.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. This is the most appropriate technique for evaluating the success of teaching a client a psychomotor skill. A return demonstration involves the client independently performing the skill they have been taught while the nurse observes. This allows the nurse to assess the client's ability to execute the skill correctly, including aspects such as technique, coordination, and safety precautions. Additionally, the nurse can provide immediate feedback and correction if necessary, enhancing the client's learning experience.
A. While answering oral questions can assess the client's understanding of theoretical or conceptual knowledge, it may not effectively evaluate their ability to perform a psychomotor skill. Psychomotor skills involve physical actions and coordination, which cannot be adequately assessed through verbal responses alone.
B. Participating in a discussion group can facilitate sharing of experiences and perspectives among clients, but it may not be the most effective method for evaluating the client's ability to perform a psychomotor skill. Discussion groups are more suitable for exploring attitudes, beliefs, and understanding of concepts rather than assessing physical skills.
C. Written tests typically assess cognitive understanding and retention of information rather than the ability to perform psychomotor skills. While written tests can evaluate knowledge about the steps involved in a skill, they do not directly assess the client's ability to execute the skill itself.
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