The nurse is preparing to deliver an infusion of vancomycin through a client's peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Shortly after the infusion begins the IV pumps beeps, indicating a blockage. How should the nurse proceed? Select all that apply.
- A. start a peripheral IV in the opposite limb
- B. notify the PICC nurse if unable to clear the blockage
- C. use a 5 mL syringe to flush the PICC with sterile saline
- D. ask the client to raise and lower the arm or cough
- E. attempt to flush the line by aggressively pushing heparin to clear the blockage
- F. use a 10 mL syringe to gently flush the PICC with sterile saline or tPA as ordered
Correct Answer: B, D, F
Rationale: Notifying the PICC nurse, repositioning the arm, and gently flushing with a 10 mL syringe (saline or tPA as ordered) are appropriate. Aggressive flushing or small syringes risk damage, and a peripheral IV is unnecessary.
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Which of the following observations best indicates to the nurse that a paraplegic client can adequately carry out activities of daily living at home after discharge?
- A. The client can shave himself and brush his teeth.
- B. The client can transfer himself into and out of his wheelchair.
- C. The client can maneuver his wheelchair without difficulty.
- D. The client can prepare his own well-balanced meals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: essential if client is to perform ADLs
A home health nurse finds the client lying unconscious in the doorway of her bathroom. The nurse checks for responsiveness by gently shaking the client and calling her name. When it is determined that the client is nonresponsive, the nurse should:
- A. Start cardiac compression
- B. Give two slow, deep breaths
- C. Open the airway using head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver
- D. Call for help
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Opening the airway is the first step in managing an unresponsive client to ensure adequate ventilation.
The physician has ordered a serum aminophylline level for a client with chronic obstructive lung disease. The nurse knows that the therapeutic range for aminophylline is:
- A. 1-3 micrograms/mL
- B. 4-6 micrograms/mL
- C. 7-9 micrograms/mL
- D. 10-20 micrograms/mL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for aminophylline is 10-20 micrograms/mL to effectively manage symptoms of chronic obstructive lung disease.
A patient is admitted to the surgical unit with a diagnosis of rule out intestinal obstruction. The nurse is preparing to insert a Salem sump NG tube as ordered. In which of the following positions would it be BEST for the nurse to place this patient during the procedure?
- A. Head of bed elevated 30°-45°.
- B. Head of bed elevated 60°-90°.
- C. Side-lying with head elevated 15°.
- D. Lying flat with head turned to the left side.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: facilitates swallowing and movement of tube through GI tract
One week after discharge of a postpartum client, the client's husband calls the postpartum unit and asks the nurse, 'Is it normal for my wife to cry at the drop of a hat? I'm worried I've done something to upset her.' The nurse's best initial response would be:
- A. Have you noticed any pattern to her periods of crying?
- B. Try not to worry about it. I'm sure it's just the postpartum blues.
- C. Can you think of something you might have done to upset her?
- D. Let's consider some of the ways you can decrease her depression.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Postpartum blues are common within the first two weeks, characterized by emotional lability. Reassuring the husband while acknowledging the normalcy of this condition is appropriate.
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