The nurse is caring for a client who had a central venous catheter placed in the right subclavian vein. Approximately 30 minutes after placement the client has become increasingly restless, has jugular vein distention, and a heart rate of 120 beats per minute. The nurse would assess for which possible complication?

Guidewire-induced dysrhythmia

Pneumothorax

Pulmonary infarction

Venous thrombosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Guidewire-induced dysrhythmia: Guidewire-induced dysrhythmia can occur if the guidewire or catheter irritates the heart during insertion, particularly when the catheter is placed in the central venous system. While this can lead to arrhythmias, it is typically more immediate and occurs during the procedure itself. The symptoms of dysrhythmia (e.g., irregular heartbeat) would more likely present right after insertion or during the manipulation of the guidewire. The signs of restlessness, JVD, and tachycardia observed 30 minutes after placement are more suggestive of a pneumothorax than of a guidewire-induced dysrhythmia.

B. Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax is a potential complication of central venous catheter (CVC) placement, particularly when the catheter is inserted into the subclavian vein. The right subclavian vein is located near the apex of the lung, so inadvertent puncture of the lung during catheter placement can lead to air entering the pleural space, causing a pneumothorax. The symptoms of pneumothorax may include restlessness, tachycardia, jugular vein distention (JVD), and respiratory distress. A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is consistent with tachycardia due to hypoxia or distress, and JVD can be a sign of increased intrathoracic pressure or impaired venous return, which occurs with a pneumothorax. These symptoms warrant immediate assessment for pneumothorax, which can be confirmed with a chest x-ray.

C. Pulmonary infarction: Pulmonary infarction occurs when a blockage in the pulmonary arteries prevents blood flow to lung tissue, resulting in tissue death. This can be caused by a pulmonary embolism or other issues, but it is not a typical complication of central venous catheter placement. The symptoms described (restlessness, JVD, and tachycardia) are more consistent with a pneumothorax than a pulmonary infarction, which would likely cause chest pain, hemoptysis, or dyspnea rather than these signs.

D. Venous thrombosis: While venous thrombosis (or clot formation) is a potential complication of central venous catheter placement, it typically manifests as swelling, redness, or pain at the catheter insertion site, rather than with the systemic symptoms of restlessness, tachycardia, and JVD. Venous thrombosis could cause some of the described symptoms in the long term, but it is less likely to be the cause of acute symptoms 30 minutes post-procedure. The immediate concern in this case is more likely to be pneumothorax, which can occur more suddenly and cause these symptoms.Top of FormBottom of Form

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe every two hours:
Encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe is an important nursing intervention for clients with a chest tube. This helps promote lung expansion, prevent atelectasis, and improve respiratory function. It also helps to clear secretions that may accumulate in the lungs. Therefore, this practice is appropriate and beneficial for the client.

B) Stripping the chest tube to dislodge any blood clots:
Stripping the chest tube, which involves forcibly pulling or pinching the tubing to remove clots, is an unsafe and outdated practice. It can create a dangerous increase in intrathoracic pressure, which may lead to tension pneumothorax, as well as injury to the lung tissue. Instead, the nurse should focus on gently milking the chest tube if necessary (if prescribed by the healthcare provider) or ensure that any blood clots are properly managed by the physician. Stripping or clamping the tube without proper indications is contraindicated.

C) Assessing the client's respiratory status frequently:
Frequent assessment of the client's respiratory status is crucial when managing a patient with a chest tube. The nurse should monitor for signs of respiratory distress, changes in breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and any signs of complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Regular respiratory assessment helps in early detection of issues and provides the data necessary to manage the client's care effectively.

D) Monitoring skin for subcutaneous emphysema:
Monitoring for subcutaneous emphysema is a vital part of nursing care for a client with a chest tube. Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air escapes from the pleural space into the tissues under the skin, and can be a sign of a pneumothorax or a complication related to the chest tube. It is important to detect this early so appropriate intervention can be made to prevent further complications.

A. Assess for conjunctival bleeding B. Encourage the use of sunglasses when outside C. Alternate the use of an eye patch on each eye D. Apply cool compresses for pain relief E. This result is consistent with partially compensated respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH would be elevated (alkalotic), PaCO2 would be low (indicating hyperventilation), and the kidneys would attempt to compensate by lowering bicarbonate (HCO3). In this case, the low PaCO2 (23 mmHg) and the low HCO3 (14 mEq/L) demonstrate partial compensation. The pH is also elevated at 7.64, which aligns with alkalosis. This is the correct answer for partially compensated respiratory alkalosis.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Assess for conjunctival bleeding
Conjunctival bleeding refers to blood in the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva), which is typically associated with trauma, infections, or certain blood disorders, but it is not a common cause of diplopia (double vision). Diplopia in multiple sclerosis (MS) is more often due to nerve damage affecting the eye muscles or the pathways controlling eye movement. Therefore, assessing for conjunctival bleeding is not a priority intervention for a client with diplopia related to MS.

B) Encourage the use of sunglasses when outside
While wearing sunglasses may help alleviate light sensitivity, which is a common symptom in individuals with MS, it is not the most appropriate intervention for treating diplopia itself. Diplopia is typically caused by issues with eye muscle control or coordination, often related to the central nervous system. Therefore, while sunglasses might provide comfort, they do not address the underlying cause of the double vision.

C) Alternate the use of an eye patch on each eye
Alternating the use of an eye patch on each eye is an effective intervention for managing diplopia, especially when the cause is related to misalignment or weakness of the eye muscles. The eye patch works by covering one eye at a time to prevent double vision. In MS, this technique can help reduce the visual disturbance and provide relief until further interventions (such as eye exercises or medications) can be considered. This approach is commonly used to manage diplopia caused by nerve involvement affecting ocular muscle function.

D) Apply cool compresses for pain relief
Cool compresses may provide relief for eye irritation or inflammation, but they are not typically used to treat diplopia. Diplopia in MS is more related to neuromuscular dysfunction or nerve damage, rather than acute inflammation or irritation of the eye. Therefore, while a cool compress may offer temporary relief for other symptoms, it is not a targeted solution for double vision in this context.

View Question and Answer

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When caring for a client with a chest tube, the nurse would avoid the practice

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) who is complaining of diplopia. Which intervention would be appropriate for the client with this problem?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient is prescribed 500 ml of Normal Saline to be infused over 90 minutes. The drop factor on the tubing is 10 gtt/mL. At what rate should the nurse regulate the IV (gtt/min)? (Round to the nearest whole number)

To achieve the outcome of effective ventilation, which nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care for a client on a ventilator?

The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory failure who has been placed on bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) for adequate ventilation. The client complains of nausea and begins to vomit. The priority nursing intervention would be:

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who requires mechanical ventilation. A client problem of decreased cardiac output from the positive pressure ventilator has been identified. What should the nurse include in the plan of care? Assess:

The client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) is at risk for fatigue. Which priority intervention would the nurse implement to address this issue?

The nurse is caring for a client receiving mechanical ventilation. The nurse hears the low-pressure alarm sound. After checking the client and ventilator, the nurse cannot determine the source of the alarm. What should the nurse do next?

A client with an acute stroke must receive Alteplase 0.9 mg/kg (maximum dose 90 mg) over 60 minutes. The client weighs 220 pounds. How many mg should the client receive? (Round to the nearest tenth, do not use trailing zeros)

A client with a medical diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is being placed in the prone position. The nurse explains to family members that, "This will help improve ventilation by: