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. Provide oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula: Although oxygen might be helpful later, the patient currently has a good oxygen saturation (95%). The priority is to ease breathing and reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.
B. Provide a urinal and encourage the patient to void: While voiding might help reduce fluid volume, repositioning the patient to improve breathing is more urgent.
C. Place the patient in a high Fowler position: This position maximizes lung expansion, improves oxygenation, and helps alleviate dyspnea caused by fluid overload.
D. Lay the patient flat in bed to listen to bowel sounds: Placing the patient flat can worsen pulmonary symptoms by allowing fluid to shift toward the lungs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cardiac dysrhythmias: Hypokalemia impairs cardiac muscle function, potentially leading to arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or premature ventricular contractions.
B. Hypoglycemia: Potassium does not directly cause hypoglycemia; its imbalance more commonly affects cardiac and neuromuscular function.
C. Hyperreflexia: Hypokalemia usually causes muscle weakness and diminished reflexes (hyporeflexia), not hyperreflexia.
D. Increased appetite: Hypokalemia does not typically affect appetite.
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