The nurse is drawing blood from a client's peripheral vein for laboratory specimens. Which of the following are correct nursing actions? Select all that apply.
- A. Do not leave a tourniquet on more than 1 minute while looking for a vein
- B. Draw the specimen while the skin is still wet with the alcohol prep
- C. If pulsating red blood is noted, withdraw the needle and apply pressure for 5 minutes
- D. Use a highly visible vein on the ventral side of the client's wrist
- E. Vigorously shake the specimen tube to mix obtained blood with anticoagulant solution
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: A tourniquet left on too long (A) can cause hemoconcentration, so it should be removed after 1 minute. Pulsating blood (C) indicates arterial puncture, requiring immediate needle withdrawal and pressure to prevent hematoma. Wet alcohol (B) can cause hemolysis, and the ventral wrist (D) is a risky site due to nerves and arteries. Vigorous shaking (E) damages blood cells, so gentle inversion is preferred.
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A client is brought to the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident. When assessing the client one-half hour after admission, the nurse notes several physical changes. Which finding would require the nurse's immediate attention?
- A. increased restlessness
- B. tachycardia
- C. tracheal deviation
- D. tachypnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: tracheal deviation. The deviated trachea is a sign that a mediastinal shift has occurred. This is a medical emergency.
Prior to administering a tube feeding, the nurse obtains 50 mL of aspirant. The nurse should:
- A. Discard the aspirant and begin the tube feeding.
- B. Replace the aspirant and begin the tube feeding.
- C. Discard the aspirant and hold the tube feeding.
- D. Replace the aspirant and hold the tube feeding.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Replacing the aspirant prevents fluid/electrolyte loss, and feeding can proceed if pH confirms placement. Discarding aspirant risks dehydration, and holding the feeding is unnecessary unless placement is uncertain.
At a nursing staff meeting, there is discussion of perceived inequities in weekend staff assignments. As a follow-up, the nurse manager should initially
- A. Allow the staff to change assignments
- B. Identify reasons for current assignments
- C. Help staff see the complexity of issues
- D. Facilitate creative thinking on staffing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Facilitate creative thinking on staffing. The 'moving phase' of change involves viewing the problem from a new perspective, and then incorporating new and different approaches to the problem. The manager, as a change agent, can facilitate staff's solving the problem.
The nurse is performing rounding on clients in restraints. Which situation would require immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Client in a belt restraint in the semi-Fowler position
- B. Client in mitten restraints in the side-lying position
- C. Client in soft wrist restraints in the supine position
- D. Client in vest restraint in the high-Fowler position
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A vest restraint in the high-Fowler position (D) poses a risk of strangulation or asphyxiation due to the restraint slipping upward, requiring immediate intervention. Belt restraint in semi-Fowler (A), mitten restraints in side-lying (B), and wrist restraints in supine (C) are safer positions, assuming proper application and monitoring.
A client on hospice home care is taking sips of water but refusing food. Family members appear distressed and insist that the personal care worker 'force feed' the client. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Explain to the family that this is a normal physiological response to dying
- B. Explore the family’s thoughts and concerns about the client’s refusal of food
- C. Recommend a feeding tube
- D. Tell the family that 'force feeding' the client could cause the client to choke on the food
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Explaining that anorexia is normal in dying (A) addresses family distress and aligns with hospice goals. Exploring concerns (B) is secondary, feeding tubes (C) are inappropriate, and choking warnings (D) may escalate distress.
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