The nurse needs to dilate a patient’s vein prior to inserting an IV. Which technique should the nurse use to dilate the patient’s vein?

Elevate the extremity for 5 minutes.

Apply an alcohol swab for 60 seconds.

Apply a cool compress for 15 minutes.

Apply a tourniquet for 1-2 minutes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Elevating the extremity reduces venous pressure, potentially collapsing veins and making them harder to cannulate. A tourniquet increases venous pressure, distending the vein for easier visualization and access during IV insertion.
Choice B reason: An alcohol swab cleans the site but does not dilate veins. It prepares the skin to prevent infection but has no effect on venous distension, which is necessary for successful IV cannulation.
Choice C reason: A cool compress constricts blood vessels, reducing vein visibility and making cannulation difficult. Warm compresses may dilate veins, but a tourniquet is the standard method for controlled venous distension during IV insertion.
Choice D reason: Applying a tourniquet for 1-2 minutes restricts venous return, causing vein distension, which enhances visibility and palpability for IV insertion. This technique ensures accurate cannulation while minimizing trauma to the vein and surrounding tissues.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Beginning the infusion before confirming placement risks complications, as the catheter may be misplaced in an artery or tissue, causing emboli or tissue damage. X-ray confirmation ensures safe administration through the central line.
Choice B reason: An x-ray confirms the central venous catheter’s tip is correctly positioned in the superior vena cava, preventing complications like pneumothorax, arterial puncture, or infusion into tissues, which could lead to serious adverse effects.
Choice C reason: Checking medication calculations is unrelated to catheter placement. Ensuring proper placement via x-ray is critical to prevent infusion errors, such as delivering medication into an incorrect vessel or tissue space.
Choice D reason: Verifying solution compatibility is important but secondary to confirming catheter placement. Incorrect placement can cause infusion into non-vascular spaces, leading to tissue damage or ineffective therapy, making x-ray confirmation the priority.

A. Bevel up B. Bevel down or up C. Bevel center D. Bevel down

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Positioning the needle bevel up during IV insertion aligns the sharp edge upward, facilitating smooth vein entry and reducing vessel trauma. This orientation ensures better visualization of the needle tip and minimizes the risk of piercing the vein’s back wall.
Choice B reason: Bevel down or up is not a standard practice, as it lacks specificity. Bevel up is preferred to ensure controlled entry and minimize vein damage. Inconsistent bevel positioning can increase the risk of failed cannulation or hematoma formation.
Choice C reason: Bevel center is not a recognized term in IV insertion. The bevel must be up to optimize vein entry and reduce trauma. Incorrect positioning can lead to vessel perforation or difficulty advancing the catheter, compromising the procedure.
Choice D reason: Bevel down increases the risk of piercing the vein’s back wall, causing hematoma or failed cannulation. Bevel up is the standard to ensure smooth entry, reduce tissue trauma, and facilitate catheter advancement into the vein.

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The nurse needs to dilate a patient’s vein prior to inserting an IV. Which technique should the nurse use to dilate the patient’s vein?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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