Deaths have occurred when potassium chloride has been used incorrectly to flush a lock or central venous catheter. Which of the ff precautions should a nurse take to minimize this risk?
- A. Use a dilute form of potassium chloride before flushing locks
- B. Warm the KCL before flushing locks
- C. Read labels carefully on vials containing flush solutions for locks
- D. Replace the existing locks with new ones to avoid flushing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Reading labels carefully on vials containing flush solutions for locks is crucial to ensure the correct solution is being used.
Step 2: Potassium chloride should not be used to flush locks as it can be fatal if administered incorrectly.
Step 3: By carefully reading labels, the nurse can verify that the correct solution is being used, thus minimizing the risk of using potassium chloride.
Summary:
- Choice A is incorrect as using a dilute form of potassium chloride does not address the issue of incorrect administration.
- Choice B is incorrect as warming the solution does not prevent the risk associated with using potassium chloride.
- Choice D is incorrect as replacing locks does not address the root cause of the issue, which is improper administration.
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A total thyroidectomy is ordered following discovery of a cold nodule. In this case of hyperthyroidism versus malignancy, the nurse anticipates that the patient will have:
- A. A complete thyroidectomy also
- B. a partial thyroidectomy (approximately one-half of the thyroid is removed)
- C. a partial thyroidectomy (approximately five-sixths of the thyroid is removed)
- D. administration of thyroid medication
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A complete thyroidectomy also. In the case of a cold nodule, which indicates potential malignancy, a total thyroidectomy is warranted to remove the entire thyroid gland to prevent the spread of cancer. A partial thyroidectomy, as in choices B and C, would not be sufficient in addressing malignancy. Administering thyroid medication, as in choice D, would not be appropriate for treating malignancy. Therefore, the correct approach is to perform a total thyroidectomy to ensure complete removal of the affected gland and to address both hyperthyroidism and potential malignancy.
When the patient’s signature is witnessed by the nurse on the surgical consent, which of the following does the nurse’s signature indicate?
- A. The nurse obtained informed consent.
- B. The nurse provided informed consent.
- C. The nurse answered all surgical procedure questions.
- D. The nurse verified that the patient signed the consent.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse's signature indicates that they verified the patient's signature on the consent form. This step ensures that the patient has signed the document willingly. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse doesn't obtain informed consent, that's the responsibility of the physician. Choice B is incorrect because nurses do not provide informed consent. Choice C is incorrect as the nurse witnessing the signature doesn't imply they answered all surgical procedure questions.
A brain abscess is a collection of pus within the substance of the brain and is caused by:
- A. Direct invasion of the brain
- B. Spread of infection by other organs
- C. Spread infection from nearby sites
- D. All of the above mechanisms
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a brain abscess can be caused by direct invasion of the brain, spread of infection by other organs, and spread of infection from nearby sites. Direct invasion can occur from trauma or surgery, while infections from other organs like the lungs or heart can travel through the bloodstream to the brain. Infections from nearby sites such as the sinuses or ears can also spread to the brain. Therefore, all of these mechanisms can lead to the formation of a brain abscess. Choices A, B, and C alone do not encompass all the possible causes of a brain abscess, making D the correct comprehensive answer.
Mr. Chua has developed liver cirrhosis. Nurse Bea expects alteration in which laboratory values?
- A. carbon dioxide level
- B. prothrombin time
- C. gastric pH
- D. white blood cell count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: prothrombin time. In liver cirrhosis, the liver's ability to produce clotting factors is impaired, leading to prolonged prothrombin time. This indicates an increased risk of bleeding. Choice A is incorrect as carbon dioxide levels are not typically affected by liver cirrhosis. Choice C, gastric pH, is unrelated to liver function. Choice D, white blood cell count, is not directly affected by liver cirrhosis. Therefore, the alteration in prothrombin time is the most relevant laboratory value to monitor in this case.
The nurse has been teaching an adult who has iron deficiency anemia about those foods that she needs to include in her meal plans. Which of the following, if selected, would indicate to the nurse that the client understands the dietary instructions?
- A. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables
- B. Bananas and nuts
- C. Coffee and tea
- D. Dairy products
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are good sources of Vitamin C and iron, which are essential for individuals with iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based sources, while green leafy vegetables provide iron. Bananas and nuts (choice B) are not significant sources of iron. Coffee and tea (choice C) can inhibit iron absorption. Dairy products (choice D) are not high in iron and can also inhibit iron absorption. Therefore, choosing citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables indicates understanding of the dietary instructions for managing iron deficiency anemia.