A laboratory technician arrives to draw blood for a complete blood count (CBC) for a client who had a right-sided mastectomy 8 hours ago. The client has an intravenous line with fluid infusing in her left antecubital space. To obtain the blood specimen, the technician places a tourniquet on the client's right arm. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Call the surgeon to perform a femoral puncture.
Assist in holding the client's arm still.
Tell the technician to obtain the blood sample from the client's left arm.
Suggest a finger stick be done on one of the client's left fingers.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Call the surgeon to perform a femoral puncture. This action is not appropriate because it is unnecessary and invasive. A femoral puncture is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the femoral vein in the groin area to obtain a blood sample. It is usually reserved for situations where other veins are inaccessible or unsuitable, such as in trauma or shock. It is not indicated for a routine CBC test.
Choice B: Assist in holding the client's arm still. This action is not appropriate because it is harmful and contraindicated. Holding the client's arm still may cause injury or infection to the arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. It may also increase the risk of lymphedema, which is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the arm due to fluid accumulation and impaired lymphatic drainage.
Choice C: Tell the technician to obtain the blood sample from the client's left arm. This action is appropriate because it is safe and recommended. Obtaining the blood sample from the client's left arm can avoid complications such as injury, infection, or lymphedema in the right arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. The technician can use a different site than the antecubital space, such as the hand or wrist, to avoid interfering with the intravenous line.
Choice D: Suggest a finger stick be done on one of the client's left fingers. This action is not appropriate because it is unreliable and inaccurate. A finger stick is a procedure that involves pricking the finger with a lancet to obtain a small amount of blood for testing. It is usually used for point-of-care testing, such as glucose or hemoglobin levels, but not for a CBC test. A CBC test requires a larger volume of blood and a venous sample for accurate results.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Sleep disturbances are the correct answer because they are a symptom of a heart attack observed in women. Sleep disturbances are problems that affect the quality or quantity of sleep, such as insomnia, nightmares, or snoring. They can indicate that the heart is not pumping enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's needs during sleep. About 48% of women who have had a heart attack report having sleep disturbances in the weeks before their event.
Choice B: Syncope is not the correct answer because it is not a symptom of a heart attack observed in women. Syncope is a condition that causes a temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood pressure or blood flow to the brain. It can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, medication side effects, or cardiac arrhythmias. However, it is not a common sign of a heart attack in women, and only about 12% of women who have had a heart attack report having syncope before their event.
Choice C: Unusual fatigue is the correct answer because it is a symptom of a heart attack observed in women. Unusual fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness or exhaustion that is not relieved by rest or sleep. It can indicate that the heart is not pumping enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's needs during daily activities. About 70% of women who have had a heart attack report having unusual fatigue in the weeks before their event.
Choice D: Extreme hunger is not the correct answer because it is not a symptom of a heart attack observed in women. Extreme hunger is a feeling of intense or excessive appetite or craving for food. It can be caused by various factors such as diabetes, thyroid disorder, or stress. However, it is not a sign of a heart attack in women, and only about 4% of women who have had a heart attack report having extreme hunger before their event.
Choice E: Arm pain is the correct answer because it is a symptom of a heart attack observed in women. Arm pain is a feeling of discomfort or ache in one or both arms, especially the left arm. It can indicate that the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood and oxygen due to a blocked coronary artery. About 42% of women who have had a heart attack report having arm pain before their event.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Do not apply heat to the area of irradiation. This instruction is correct and should be included in the teaching. Applying heat to the area of irradiation can increase inflammation, pain, or burning sensation on the skin. The client should avoid heat sources such as hot water, heating pads, or sun exposure in the area of irradiation.
Choice B: Use an antibiotic ointment to treat skin breakdown. This instruction is not correct and should not be included in the teaching. Using an antibiotic ointment to treat skin breakdown can cause allergic reactions, infection, or interference with radiation therapy. The client should consult with her provider before using any topical products in the area of irradiation.
Choice C: Lubricate the skin with hypoallergenic lotion. This instruction is not correct and should not be included in the teaching. Lubricating the skin with hypoallergenic lotion can cause irritation, infection, or interference with radiation therapy. The client should avoid applying any lotions, creams, or oils on the area of irradiation unless prescribed by her provider.
Choice D: Do not wash the area of irradiation. This instruction is not correct and should not be included in the teaching. Washing the area of irradiation can help prevent infection, remove dead skin cells, and reduce odor. The client should wash the area of irradiation gently with mild soap and water, pat it dry, and avoid rubbing or scrubbing.
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