Nokea
The nurse evaluates the patency of a peripheral intravenous (IV) site and suspects an infiltration. Which action should the nurse take to determine if the IV has infiltrated?
- A. Strip the tubing and assess for a blood return.
- B. Check the regional tissue for redness and warmth.
- C. Increase the infusion rate and observe for swelling.
- D. Gently palpate regional tissue for edema and coolness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When assessing an IV for clinical indicators of infiltration, it is important to assess the site for edema and coolness, signifying leakage of the IV fluid into the surrounding tissues. Stripping the tubing will not cause a blood return but will force IV fluid into the surrounding tissues, which can increase the risk of tissue damage. Redness and warmth are more likely to indicate infection or phlebitis.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is preparing to measure the fundal height of a client whose fetus is 28 weeks' gestation. In what position should the nurse place the client to perform the procedure?
- A. In a standing position
- B. In the Trendelenburg position
- C. Supine with the head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees
- D. Supine with her head on a pillow and knees slightly flexed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When measuring fundal height, the client lies in a supine (back) position with her head on a pillow and knees slightly flexed. The standing position, Trendelenburg (head lowered), or supine with the head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees would prevent the nurse from getting an accurate measurement.
The nurse reviews the client's most recent blood gas results that include a pH of 7.43, PCO2 of 31 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 21 mEq/L. Based on these results, the nurse determines that which acid-base imbalance is present?
- A. Compensated metabolic acidosis
- B. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
- C. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
- D. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45, the normal PCO2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg, and the normal HCO3 is 22 to 27 mEq/L. The pH is elevated in alkalosis and low in acidosis. In a respiratory condition, the pH and the PCO2 move in opposite directions; that is, the pH rises and the PCO2 drops (alkalosis) or vice versa (acidosis). In a metabolic condition, the pH and the bicarbonate move in the same direction; if the pH is low, the bicarbonate level will be low also. In this client, the pH is at the high end of normal, indicating compensation and alkalosis. The PCO2 is low, indicating a respiratory condition (opposite direction of the pH).
A client, experiencing a sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea, is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolus. Which expected prescription should the nurse immediately implement for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Supplemental oxygen
- B. High Fowler's position
- C. Semi-Fowler's position
- D. Morphine sulfate intravenously
- E. Two tablets of acetaminophen with codeine
- F. Meperidine hydrochloride intravenously
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Standard therapeutic intervention for the client with pulmonary embolus includes proper positioning, oxygen, and intravenous analgesics. The head of the bed is placed in semi-Fowler's position. Fowler's is avoided because extreme hip flexure slows venous return from the legs and increases the risk of new thrombi. The usual analgesic of choice is morphine sulfate administered intravenously. This medication reduces pain, alleviates anxiety, and can diminish congestion of blood in the pulmonary vessels because it causes peripheral venous dilation.
The nurse is conducting a health history on a client diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. Which question asked of the client would elicit information about this condition?
- A. Do you have tremors in your hands?
- B. Are you experiencing pain in your joints?
- C. Have you had problems with diarrhea lately?
- D. Do you notice any swelling in your legs at night?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperparathyroidism causes an oversecretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which causes excessive osteoblast growth and activity within the bones. When bone reabsorption is increased, calcium is released from the bones into the blood, causing hypercalcemia. The bones suffer demineralization as a result of calcium loss, leading to bone and joint pain and pathological fractures. Options 1 and 3 relate to assessment of hypoparathyroidism. Option 4 is unrelated to hyperparathyroidism.
What is the smallest gauge catheter that the nurse can use to administer blood?
- A. 12 gauge
- B. 20 gauge
- C. 22 gauge
- D. 24 gauge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An intravenous catheter used to infuse blood should be at least 20 gauge or larger to help prevent additional hemolysis of red blood cells and to allow infusion of the blood without occluding the IV catheter.