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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. Assisting the client in slowed breathing techniques is the most appropriate initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Slowed breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can help normalize respiratory rate and depth, thereby correcting the respiratory alkalosis. Encouraging the client to breathe slowly and deeply can help reduce the respiratory rate and restore a more balanced acid-base status.
A. Administering a sedative may not be the initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Sedatives can depress the respiratory drive further and may exacerbate respiratory alkalosis. Additionally, administering sedatives should be based on a comprehensive assessment and medical prescription, rather than as a first-line intervention for hyperventilation.
B. While hyperventilation can sometimes lead to symptoms resembling seizure activity (such as muscle twitching or numbness), assessing for seizure activity is not typically the initial intervention for respiratory alkalosis. In the context of acute psychological stress causing hyperventilation, addressing the hyperventilation itself is the priority.
D. While monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is important in assessing the client's overall condition, it is not the initial intervention specifically for addressing respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation. The priority in this situation is to address the hyperventilation itself through appropriate breathing techniques.

A. 5% dextrose in 0.25% sodium chloride (D51/4NS) B. 3% sodium chloride (3% NaCl) C. 5% dextrose in water (DSW) D. 0.9% sodium chloride (0.9% NaCl)

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. 0.9% sodium chloride (0.9% NaCl): This solution, also known as normal saline, is isotonic and contains the same concentration of sodium as extracellular fluid. It is the most appropriate choice for initial fluid resuscitation in hypovolemia due to severe bleeding because it rapidly expands intravascular volume, replaces sodium losses, and helps restore circulating blood volume.
A. This solution contains dextrose (glucose) and a small amount of sodium chloride. It provides some glucose for energy but has a lower sodium concentration compared to isotonic solutions like normal saline. While it may be used in certain situations, such as to provide maintenance fluids or correct mild dehydration, it is not the first choice for fluid resuscitation in hypovolemia due to severe bleeding because it does not adequately replace lost volume.
B. 3% sodium chloride (3% NaCl): This solution is hypertonic and has a high sodium concentration. It is not typically used for initial fluid resuscitation in hypovolemia due to severe bleeding. Hypertonic saline solutions like 3% NaCl are more commonly used in specific situations such as severe hyponatremia or cerebral edema.
C. 5% dextrose in water (D5W): This solution contains only dextrose and water and is isotonic until the dextrose is metabolized, after which it becomes hypotonic. D5W is not suitable for fluid resuscitation in hypovolemia due to severe bleeding because it does not provide adequate sodium or volume replacement.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is admitted with hypovolemia due to severe bleeding. Which Intravenous fluid does the nurse anticipate using to replace fluid losses?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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?