The nurse creates a care plan for a client receiving hemodialysis through an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the right arm. The nurse includes which interventions in the plan to protect the AV fistula from injury? Select all that apply.
- A. Assess pulses and circulation proximal to the fistula.
- B. Palpate for thrills and auscultate for a bruit every 4 hours.
- C. Check for bleeding and infection at hemodialysis needle insertion sites.
- D. Avoid taking blood pressure or performing venipunctures in the extremity.
- E. Instruct the client not to carry heavy objects or anything that compresses the extremity.
- F. Instruct the client not to sleep in a position that places her or his body weight on top of the extremity.
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E,F
Rationale: An AV fistula is an internal anastomosis of an artery to a vein and is used as an access for hemodialysis. The nurse should implement the following to protect the fistula: palpate for thrills and auscultate for a bruit every 4 hours, check for bleeding and infection at hemodialysis needle insertion sites, avoid taking blood pressures or performing venipunctures in the extremity, instruct the client not to carry heavy objects or anything that compresses the extremity, instruct the client not to sleep in a position that places the body weight on top of the extremity, and the nurse should assess pulses and circulation distal to the fistula.
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An echocardiogram, chest x-ray (CXR), and computed axial tomography (CAT) scan are prescribed for a client who has activity intolerance. In which order should the nurse plan to schedule the procedures to meet the needs of this client safely and effectively?
- A. CAT scan and CXR in the morning, and echocardiogram on the following morning
- B. CXR and echocardiogram together in the morning, and CAT scan in the afternoon of the same day
- C. Echocardiogram in the morning, and CXR and CAT scans together in the afternoon of the same day
- D. CXR in the morning, echocardiogram in the afternoon, and CAT scan in the morning of the following day
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: CAT scans are always performed in radiology, and CXR and echocardiograms can be done at the bedside; however, the best results usually occur when the test is performed in the related department. As long as the client is stable and transportation is provided, the nurse can schedule each procedure in its department with two procedures on the first day separated by a rest period, and the remaining procedure the next day.
Which interventions should the emergency department nurse prepare for in the care of a child with croup and epiglottitis? Select all that apply.
- A. Obtaining a chest x-ray
- B. Obtaining a throat culture
- C. Monitoring pulse oximetry
- D. Maintaining a patent airway
- E. Providing humidified oxygen
- F. Administering antipyretics and antibiotics
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E,F
Rationale: Epiglottitis is an acute inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis and surrounding tissue. It is a life-threatening, rapidly progressive condition that may cause complete airway obstruction within a few hours of onset. The most reliable diagnostic sign is an edematous, cherry-red epiglottis. Some interventions include obtaining a chest x-ray film, monitoring pulse oximetry, maintaining a patent airway, providing humidified oxygen, and administering antipyretics and antibiotics. The child may also require intubation and mechanical ventilation. The primary concern in a child with epiglottitis is the development of complete airway obstruction. Therefore, the child's throat is not examined or cultured because any stimulation with a tongue depressor or culture swab could trigger complete airway obstruction.
The nurse is caring for a term newborn. Which assessment finding would predispose the newborn to the occurrence of jaundice?
- A. Presence of a cephalhematoma
- B. Infant blood type of O negative
- C. Birth weight of 8 pounds 6 ounces
- D. A negative direct Coombs' test result
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A cephalhematoma is swelling caused by bleeding into an area between the bone and its periosteum (does not cross over the suture line). Enclosed hemorrhage, such as with cephalhematoma, predisposes the newborn to jaundice by producing an increased bilirubin load as the cephalhematoma resolves (usually within 6 weeks) and is absorbed into the circulatory system. The classic Rh incompatibility situation involves an Rh-negative mother with an Rh-positive fetus/newborn. The birth weight in option 3 is within the acceptable range for a term newborn and therefore does not contribute to an increased bilirubin level. A negative direct Coombs' test result indicates that there are no maternal antibodies on fetal erythrocytes.
The nurse prepares to transfer the client with a newly applied arm cast into the bed using which method?
- A. Placing ice on top of the cast
- B. Supporting the cast with the fingertips only
- C. Asking the client to support the cast during transfer
- D. Using the palms of the hands and soft pillows to support the cast
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The palms or the flat surface of the extended fingers should be used when moving a wet cast to prevent indentations. Pillows are used to support the curves of the cast to prevent cracking or flattening of the cast from the weight of the body. Half-full bags of ice may be placed next to the cast to prevent swelling, but this would be done after the client is placed in bed. Asking the client to support the cast during transfer is inappropriate.
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.