Which of the following complications can occur if a clotted cannula is flushed too aggressively?
The patient can experience speed shock
A clot can be forced into the circulation causing serious complications.
A painful arterial spasm can occur
The catheter can become dislodged and fall out.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The patient can experience speed shock: Speed shock is a rapid infusion of a substance (like a medication or fluid) into the bloodstream, usually occurring when the infusion rate is too fast. This is not typically caused by flushing a clotted cannula.
B. A clot can be forced into the circulation causing serious complications: Flushing a clotted cannula too aggressively can dislodge a clot, causing it to travel into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications like embolism or stroke, especially if the clot is large or travels to a vital organ.
C. A painful arterial spasm can occur: While arterial spasms can occur, they are more often related to arterial catheterization or manipulation rather than flushing a venous cannula.
D. The catheter can become dislodged and fall out: While this could potentially happen, it is less of a concern compared to the risk of pushing a clot into circulation, which is a more immediate danger.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The nurse applies a tourniquet to assess a vein: Applying a tourniquet is standard practice and does not increase infection risk if proper technique is used.
B. The nurse dons gloves before starting the IV: Wearing gloves minimizes the risk of infection for both the patient and the nurse.
C. The nurse blows on the area cleansed with alcohol to dry it quickly: Blowing on the site introduces bacteria from the nurse's breath to the cleansed area, increasing the risk of infection.
D. The nurse cleans the area with an alcohol pad: Cleaning the site with alcohol reduces the risk of infection and is standard practice.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increased bowel sounds: Hypokalemia typically causes decreased bowel activity, leading to constipation or paralytic ileus, rather than increased bowel sounds.
B. Reports of fatigue: Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of hypokalemia due to impaired cellular and muscle function.
C. Positive Trousseau's sign: This is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.
D. Reports of numbness in the feet: This is more commonly linked with neuropathy or hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.
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