A client has an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in place in the right upper extremity for hemodialysis treatments. When planning care for this client, which measure should the nurse implement to promote client safety?
- A. Use the right arm blood pressure measurement.
- B. Use the fistula for all venipunctures and intravenous infusions.
- C. Ensure that small clamps are attached to the AV fistula dressing.
- D. Assess the fistula for the presence of a bruit and thrill every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: AV fistulas are created by anastomosis of an artery and a vein within the subcutaneous tissues to create access for hemodialysis. Fistulas should be evaluated for presence of thrills (palpate over the area) and bruits (auscultate with a stethoscope) as an assessment of patency. Blood pressures or venipunctures are not done on the extremity with the fistula because of the risk of clotting, infection, or damage to the fistula. The fistula is not used for venipunctures or intravenous infusions for the same reason. Clamps may be needed for an external device such as an AV shunt, but the AV fistula is internal.
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A client with a central venous catheter who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) suddenly experiences signs/symptoms associated with an air embolism. The nurse should implement which interventions to minimize the client's risk for injury? Select all that apply.
- A. Monitors vital signs
- B. Clamps the catheter
- C. Checks the line for air
- D. Notifies the primary health care provider
- E. Boluses the client with 500 mL normal saline
- F. Places the client in Trendelenburg position on the left side
Correct Answer: B,D,F
Rationale: If the client experiences air embolus, the client is placed in the lateral Trendelenburg position on the left side to trap the air in the right atrium. The nurse should also clamp the catheter and notify the primary health care provider. Although vital signs are monitored continuously, doing without a related action does not directly assist the client. A fluid bolus would cause the air embolus to travel.
A client admitted to the nursing unit with a closed head injury 6 hours ago has begun to vomit, and reports being dizzy and having a headache. Based on these data, which is the most important nursing action?
- A. Administering a prescribed antiemetic
- B. Notifying the primary health care provider of the client's condition
- C. Having the client rate the headache pain on a scale of 1 to 10
- D. Reminding the client to use the call bell when needing help to the bathroom
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client with a closed head injury is at risk of developing increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Increased ICP is evidenced by signs and symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, weakness, and vomiting. Because of the implications of the client's manifestations, the most important nursing action is to notify the primary health care provider. Although the other nursing actions are not inappropriate, none of them address the critical issue of the potential of the client developing ICP.
A primary health care provider is inserting a chest tube. Which materials should the nurse have available to be used as the first layer of the dressing at the chest tube insertion site?
- A. Petrolatum jelly gauze
- B. Sterile 4 x 4 gauze pad
- C. Absorbent gauze dressing
- D. Gauze impregnated with povidone-iodine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first layer of the chest tube dressing is petrolatum gauze, which allows for an occlusive seal at the chest tube insertion site. Additional layers of gauze cover this layer, and the dressing is secured with a strong adhesive tape or Elastoplast tape. The items in the remaining options would not be selected as the first protective layer.
The nurse has a prescription to administer amphotericin B intravenously to the client diagnosed with histoplasmosis. Which should the nurse specifically plan to implement during administration of the medication to minimize the client's risk for injury? Select all that apply.
- A. Monitor for hyperthermia.
- B. Monitor for an excessive urine output.
- C. Administer a concurrent fluid challenge.
- D. Assess the intravenous (IV) infusion site.
- E. Assess the chest and back for a red, itchy rash.
- F. Monitor the client's orientation to time, place, and person.
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication and is a toxic medication, which can produce symptoms during administration such as chills, fever (hyperthermia), headache, vomiting, and impaired renal function (decreased urine output). The medication is also very irritating to the IV site, commonly causing thrombophlebitis. The nurse administering this medication monitors for these complications. Administering a concurrent fluid challenge is not necessary. A rash or disorientation is not specific to this medication.
The nurse in the mental health unit is preparing to admit a severely depressed client. Which findings on assessment support the diagnosis of this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Insomnia
- B. Flat affect
- C. Hypersomnia
- D. Substantial weight loss
- E. Weight gain since onset of depression
- F. Reports, 'I don't have any more tears to cry.'
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: In the severely depressed client, loss of weight is typical, whereas the mildly depressed client may experience a gain in weight. Sleep is generally affected in a similar way, with hypersomnia in the mildly depressed client and insomnia in the severely depressed client. The severely depressed client may report that no tears are left for crying. A flat affect may be associated with depression.