When a nurse is preparing an injection from an ampule, which of these actions should be taken when withdrawing the medication from the ampule?
Use a large bore needle.
Use a filter needle.
Use a small gauge needle.
Place a cotton ball over the opening to prevent being cut while withdrawing the medication.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Using a large bore needle (e.g., 18-gauge) for withdrawing medication from an ampule is generally avoided unless the medication is highly viscous, because it can create a larger hole in the ampule, increasing the risk of glass particle introduction. The primary concern with ampules is preventing glass shards from entering the syringe, which is addressed by filtration, not needle bore size alone.
Choice B rationale
Ampules are single-dose glass containers. When an ampule is opened, small, invisible glass fragments can break off. A filter needle contains a microscopic filter that traps these glass particles, preventing their aspiration into the syringe and subsequent injection into the patient, thus mitigating the risk of phlebitis, emboli, or other complications from particulate matter.
Choice C rationale
A small gauge needle (e.g., 25-gauge) has a very narrow lumen, which would make withdrawing medication from an ampule unnecessarily difficult and slow, especially for viscous solutions. Furthermore, a small gauge needle does not mitigate the risk of glass particle aspiration, which is the paramount concern when withdrawing medication from a glass ampule.
Choice D rationale
Placing a cotton ball over the opening of an ampule is not a scientifically sound method to prevent being cut or to prevent glass shards from entering the medication. Ampules are designed to be broken cleanly. Proper ampule opening techniques and the use of a filter needle are the established safety measures to prevent injury and contamination.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The bell of the stethoscope is designed to auscultate low-frequency sounds, such as certain heart murmurs or bowel sounds, due to its larger surface area and lower diaphragm tension. Breath sounds, however, are generally higher frequency and require the diaphragm for optimal clarity and discrimination of adventitious sounds, which are often subtle and require careful attention to pitch and quality.
Choice B rationale
Limiting auscultation to only the posterior chest misses significant lung fields, especially the anterior and lateral segments of the upper and middle lobes. Comprehensive respiratory assessment necessitates evaluating all accessible lung surfaces to detect localized abnormalities, ensuring no consolidation, atelectasis, or pleural effusions are overlooked, providing a complete diagnostic picture.
Choice C rationale
Instructing the patient to breathe in and hold their breath would prevent the continuous airflow necessary to generate breath sounds. Auscultation relies on the movement of air through the tracheobronchial tree. Holding the breath eliminates this vital acoustic phenomenon, rendering the assessment ineffective for evaluating air entry, presence of adventitious sounds, or symmetry.
Choice D rationale
Comparing sounds on the left and right sides allows for the identification of unilateral abnormalities, which are crucial for diagnosing localized pathologies. This systematic approach helps detect differences in breath intensity, the presence of unilateral adventitious sounds like wheezes or crackles, or diminished air entry, guiding further diagnostic investigation and treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Positioning a school-aged child in the supine position with the head tilted backward during nose drop administration allows gravity to assist the medication in flowing into the nasal cavity and reaching the intended mucosal surfaces. This anatomical alignment ensures optimal distribution and absorption of the drug, maximizing its therapeutic effect on the nasal passages.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the child to breathe deeply through the nose immediately after drop insertion could cause the medication to be inhaled into the lungs or swallowed, reducing its intended topical effect on the nasal mucosa. Proper technique involves maintaining the head position for a few moments to allow absorption.
Choice C rationale
Returning unused nose drops from the dropper to the medication bottle is an unsafe practice that can lead to contamination of the entire medication supply. The dropper tip, once it has touched the patient's nostril, is no longer sterile and can introduce microbes into the sterile solution.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the tip of the medication dropper within a nostril can cause discomfort, irritation, or even injury to the delicate nasal mucosa. The dropper should be held just above the nostril, allowing the drops to fall into the nasal passage without direct contact, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
