While assessing a client who is receiving continuous IV therapy via his left forearm, a nurse notes that the site is red, swollen, and painful and that the surrounding tissues are hard.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Determine if the client needs to continue IV therapy.
Initiate a new IV line in the other extremity.
Discontinue the existing IV line.
Apply a hot pack to the irritated site.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Determining if the client needs to continue IV therapy is important, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first address the immediate problem, which is the irritated IV site.
Choice B rationale:
Initiating a new IV line in the other extremity is necessary, but not the first action. The nurse should first discontinue the existing IV line to prevent further irritation or infection.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should first discontinue the existing IV line. This is because the symptoms indicate that the client might have developed phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein, which requires immediate discontinuation of the IV line.
Choice D rationale:
Applying a hot pack to the irritated site can help reduce inflammation and discomfort, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first discontinue the IV line to prevent further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
These values indicate metabolic acidosis, which is common in clients with chronic kidney disease. The kidneys are unable to excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate, leading to a low pH and low bicarbonate levels.
Choice B rationale:
These values indicate alkalosis, not typically associated with chronic kidney disease. The pH is high, indicating a basic or alkaline state, and the bicarbonate level is normal.
Choice C rationale:
These values indicate metabolic alkalosis, which is not typically seen in clients with chronic kidney disease. The pH and bicarbonate levels are both high.
Choice D rationale:
These values indicate respiratory acidosis, not typically associated with chronic kidney disease. The high PaCO2 level indicates that the lungs are not effectively eliminating CO2, leading to acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Completing a neurological check is the correct action. The client’s sudden confusion and drowsiness could indicate a neurological issue, such as a stroke.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the client’s fluid intake is not the first action to take. While dehydration can cause confusion, other causes need to be ruled out first.
Choice C rationale:
Administering the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication is not the first action to take. The client’s blood pressure is not elevated, so this medication is not needed at this time.
Choice D rationale:
Holding the client’s evening dose of digoxin is not the first action to take. The client’s symptoms are not necessarily related to this medication.
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