A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV therapy in the left forearm and notices that the site is red, swollen, and warm. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
- A. Insert an IV catheter in the opposite extremity.
- B. Discontinue the existing IV infusion.
- C. Apply warm, moist compresses to the site.
- D. Elevate the extremity.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action is to discontinue the existing IV infusion (Choice B) first. The redness, swelling, and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the infusion is crucial to prevent further damage and infection. This step helps to stop the irritant (IV solution) from causing more harm. Inserting an IV catheter in the opposite extremity (Choice A) does not address the current issue and may lead to the same problem. Applying warm, moist compresses (Choice C) could potentially worsen the inflammation. Elevating the extremity (Choice D) may provide some relief, but it does not address the root cause. Therefore, discontinuing the existing IV infusion is the most appropriate immediate action to take in this situation.
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A nurse is preparing to administer a soapsuds enema to an adult client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Put on sterile gloves.
- B. Assist the client to the left Sims' position.
- C. Hang the enema container 61 cm (24 in) above the anus.
- D. Insert the tubing about 15 cm (6 in) into the anus.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist the client to the left Sims' position. This position helps to facilitate the flow of the enema solution into the colon by allowing gravity to assist in the process. Placing the client in the left Sims' position helps to ensure proper administration and effectiveness of the enema.
A: Putting on sterile gloves is not necessary for administering a soapsuds enema.
C: Hanging the enema container 61 cm above the anus is not a standard practice for administering a soapsuds enema.
D: Inserting the tubing about 15 cm into the anus is too shallow and may not reach the desired area for the enema to be effective.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has atelectasis. The nurse tells the client how to position herself to promote drainage of the apical lung segments. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse identify as understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will sit up on the side of the bed with my legs dangling.
- B. I will turn on my left side with my legs elevated higher than my chest.
- C. I will position myself on my back with my head lower than my feet.
- D. I will lie on my abdomen with pillows under my stomach and chest.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prone positioning with pillows under the chest promotes postural drainage of apical lung segments. Other positions are ineffective.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to collect stool at home for a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to avoid for at least 3 days before the test?
- A. Whole grain cereal
- B. Magnesium hydroxide
- C. Orange juice
- D. Acetaminophen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Magnesium hydroxide. This is because magnesium hydroxide, commonly found in antacids and laxatives, can cause false-positive results in a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) due to its chemical reaction with the test reagents. Instructing the client to avoid magnesium hydroxide for at least 3 days before the test ensures accurate results.
Incorrect choices:
A: Whole grain cereal - Whole grain cereal does not interfere with FOBT results.
C: Orange juice - Orange juice does not impact FOBT results.
D: Acetaminophen - Acetaminophen does not affect FOBT results.
Therefore, avoiding magnesium hydroxide is crucial to obtaining reliable results in the FOBT.
A nurse is caring for a client who has an electrical burn. With the client's permission, the nurse is answering questions from the family about his status. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. He is doing well, although he might be in the hospital for some time.
- B. He has an electrical burn. He is stable, and we will update you with any changes.
- C. He has an electrical burn, which caused coagulation of some tissues.
- D. He does not appear to have much damage and should be fine soon.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Providing factual and clear information about the client's condition maintains trust and transparency with the family.
A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is hyperventilating, reports lightheadedness and paresthesias, and has blurred vision and a new onset of confusion. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following imbalances?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation causes excessive loss of carbon dioxide, leading to respiratory alkalosis. This is evidenced by lightheadedness, paresthesias, blurred vision, and confusion due to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Metabolic acidosis (A) is characterized by low pH and bicarbonate levels, not seen in this scenario. Metabolic alkalosis (B) is due to excess bicarbonate, which is not present in hyperventilation. Respiratory acidosis (C) is caused by retention of carbon dioxide, opposite of what is seen in hyperventilation.