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What action should be taken to maintain the patency of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?
- A. Flush the catheter with heparin solution daily.
- B. Change the dressing at the insertion site daily.
- C. Use sterile technique when changing the dressing.
- D. Keep the insertion site dry at all times.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to use sterile technique when changing the dressing. This practice is essential for preventing infections that can compromise the patency of the PICC line. While flushing the catheter with heparin solution helps prevent clot formation, it does not directly maintain patency. Changing the dressing daily is important for hygiene but does not have a direct impact on catheter patency. Keeping the insertion site dry is crucial to prevent infections but does not specifically address patency maintenance.
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A self-sufficient bedridden patient is unable to reach all body parts. Which type of bath will the nurse assign to the nursing assistive personnel?
- A. Bag bath
- B. Sponge bath
- C. Partial bed bath
- D. Complete bed bath
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is a partial bed bath (Choice C). A partial bed bath involves washing body parts that the patient cannot reach on their own, such as the back. It also includes providing assistance with a backrub to promote circulation and skin integrity. In this scenario, where the patient is bedridden and unable to reach all body parts, a partial bed bath is the most appropriate as it focuses on areas the patient cannot clean themselves. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a bag bath involves using premoistened disposable cloths for bathing, a sponge bath involves using a basin of water and a sponge for cleansing, and a complete bed bath involves washing the entire body, including areas the patient can reach, which are not necessary in this case.
A healthcare professional is admitting a client who has decreased circulation in his left leg. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?
- A. Evaluate pedal pulses
- B. Assess skin temperature
- C. Check for capillary refill
- D. Measure the leg circumference
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Evaluating pedal pulses should be the first action taken as it provides immediate information about circulation. This assessment helps in determining the adequacy of blood flow in the client's leg. Assessing skin temperature, checking for capillary refill, and measuring leg circumference are important assessments; however, evaluating pedal pulses is the most crucial initial step in this scenario. Skin temperature assessment and capillary refill check can provide additional valuable information about perfusion, while measuring leg circumference is useful in monitoring for edema. Therefore, for a client with decreased circulation in the left leg, evaluating pedal pulses takes precedence over the other assessments.
A client is 48 hours postoperative following a small bowel resection. The client reports gas pains in the periumbilical area. The nurse should plan care based on which of the following factors contributing to this postoperative complication?
- A. Impaired peristalsis of the intestines
- B. Infection at the surgical site
- C. Fluid overload
- D. Inadequate pain management
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gas pains in the periumbilical area postoperatively are often caused by impaired peristalsis and bowel function. Following abdominal surgery, it is common for peristalsis to be reduced due to surgical manipulation and anesthesia effects. This reduction in peristalsis can lead to the accumulation of gas in the intestines, resulting in gas pains. Infection at the surgical site (Choice B) would present with localized signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, and drainage, rather than diffuse gas pains. Fluid overload (Choice C) would manifest with symptoms such as edema, increased blood pressure, and respiratory distress, not gas pains. Inadequate pain management (Choice D) may lead to increased discomfort, but it is not the primary cause of gas pains in the periumbilical area following a small bowel resection.
The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which symptom would be most concerning?
- A. Pain in the affected leg
- B. Redness and warmth in the affected leg
- C. Shortness of breath
- D. Swelling in the affected leg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Shortness of breath is the most concerning symptom in a client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because it could indicate a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of DVT where a blood clot travels to the lungs and can be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent further complications. Pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected leg are common symptoms of DVT itself but do not pose the same level of immediate danger as the potential for a pulmonary embolism.
While ambulating an unsteady client who begins to fall, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Allow the client to slide down their outstretched leg.
- B. Place their arms around the client to prevent the fall.
- C. Remain upright as the client falls toward them.
- D. Move quickly to a position in front of the client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client is falling, allowing them to slide down your leg can help control the descent and prevent injury. This technique ensures a more controlled fall compared to attempting to catch or stop the client abruptly, which could lead to both the client and the nurse getting injured. Placing arms around the client may not provide enough support or control during the fall. Remaining upright or moving quickly in front of the client might not be practical or safe in this scenario.