After placement of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC), the nurse receives a report of the X-ray findings indicating that the CVC tip is in the client's superior vena cava. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Remove the catheter and apply direct pressure for 5 minutes.
- B. Initiate intravenous fluids as prescribed.
- C. Secure the catheter using aseptic technique.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider of the need to reposition the catheter.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Initiating intravenous fluids as prescribed is the appropriate action when the CVC tip is correctly placed in the superior vena cava. Intravenous fluids can now be administered effectively through the central line. Removing the catheter and applying direct pressure is unnecessary and not indicated as the tip is in the correct position. Securing the catheter using aseptic technique is important for preventing infections but is not the immediate action needed in this situation. Notifying the healthcare provider of the need to reposition the catheter may delay necessary fluid administration, which is the priority at this time.
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Which client is at the highest risk for developing pressure ulcers?
- A. A 50-year-old client with a fractured femur
- B. A 30-year-old client with diabetes mellitus
- C. A 65-year-old client with limited mobility
- D. A 70-year-old client with a history of stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with limited mobility are at the highest risk for developing pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body. This constant pressure can lead to tissue damage and ultimately result in pressure ulcers. While age and medical conditions such as diabetes and a history of stroke can contribute to the risk of pressure ulcers, limited mobility is the most significant factor as it directly affects the ability to shift positions and relieve pressure on vulnerable areas of the body. Therefore, the 65-year-old client with limited mobility is at the highest risk compared to the other clients. The 50-year-old client with a fractured femur may have limited mobility due to the injury, but it is temporary and may not be as prolonged as chronic limited mobility. The 30-year-old client with diabetes mellitus and the 70-year-old client with a history of stroke are at risk for developing pressure ulcers, but their conditions do not directly impact their ability to shift positions and alleviate pressure like limited mobility does.
What is the most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client?
- A. Change the colostomy bag daily
- B. Irrigate the colostomy daily
- C. Avoid high-fiber foods
- D. Assess the stoma for color and swelling
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most crucial aspect of colostomy care to teach the client is to assess the stoma for color and swelling. This is essential to detect early signs of complications such as ischemia or infection. Changing the colostomy bag daily is important but not as critical as assessing the stoma for complications. Irrigating the colostomy daily is not a standard recommendation and should be performed based on healthcare provider's instructions. While avoiding high-fiber foods may be beneficial for some individuals with a colostomy, it is not the most important aspect of care compared to monitoring the stoma for complications.
The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube following a pneumothorax. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
- B. Absence of drainage in the collection chamber
- C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber
- D. Presence of subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. This finding may indicate an air leak, which can compromise the effectiveness of the chest tube in re-expanding the lung. Absence of drainage in the collection chamber (choice B) may signify that the chest tube is blocked, but it does not pose an immediate threat to the client's condition. Tidaling in the water seal chamber (choice C) is an expected finding and indicates proper functioning of the chest tube system. Presence of subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site (choice D) suggests air leakage but is not as urgent as continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
The nurse observes that a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing. What is the appropriate nursing action?
- A. Apply an antibiotic ointment
- B. Clean the wound with sterile saline
- C. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
- D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action when a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing is to notify the surgeon immediately. Reddened, oozing wound edges can indicate an infection that requires prompt evaluation and intervention by the surgical team. Applying an antibiotic ointment (Choice A) without proper assessment and guidance can be inappropriate. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (Choice B) and covering it with a sterile dressing (Choice C) may not address the potential infection adequately, and the client may require more specialized care that the surgeon can provide.
What is the most important action to prevent complications while caring for a client receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube?
- A. Check tube placement before each feeding
- B. Flush the tube with water before and after each feeding
- C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees
- D. Administer the feeding at room temperature
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Checking tube placement before each feeding is crucial to prevent aspiration, a serious complication of enteral nutrition. Ensuring the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach helps avoid the risk of the feeding going into the lungs, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Flushing the tube with water (Choice B) is important for maintaining tube patency but is not the most critical action to prevent complications. Elevating the head of the bed (Choice C) helps reduce the risk of aspiration but is not as crucial as verifying tube placement. Administering the feeding at room temperature (Choice D) is more related to patient comfort and does not directly address the prevention of complications associated with enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube.