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
Explanation
Choice A: Vaginal intercourse can be resumed after 2 weeks.
Reason: After a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure, it is generally recommended to avoid vaginal intercourse for about 2 weeks. This allows the cervix and uterus to heal and reduces the risk of infection. Engaging in sexual activity too soon can introduce bacteria into the uterus, which is particularly vulnerable following the procedure.
Choice B: Products of conception will be present in vaginal bleeding.
Reason: This statement is incorrect. After a D&C, the products of conception should have been removed during the procedure. While some bleeding is normal, it should not contain products of conception. Instead, the bleeding should be similar to a menstrual period.
Choice C: Increased intake of zinc-rich foods is recommended.
Reason: There is no specific recommendation for increasing zinc intake following a D&C. The focus is typically on general post-operative care, such as rest, hydration, and monitoring for signs of infection. While a balanced diet is always beneficial, there is no evidence suggesting that zinc-rich foods are particularly necessary after this procedure.
Choice D: Aspirin may be taken for cramps.
Reason: This statement is incorrect. Aspirin is generally not recommended for pain relief after a D&C because it can increase the risk of bleeding. Instead, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are usually recommended for managing cramps and pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: A 26-year-old client who has migraine headaches at the start of each menstrual cycle does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives are pills that contain synthetic hormones (estrogen and progestin) that prevent ovulation and pregnancy. They can also help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual pain and bleeding. Some women with migraine headaches may benefit from oral contraceptives, especially if their migraines are related to hormonal fluctuations or menstruation. However, oral contraceptives may worsen migraines in some women, especially if they have aura (visual or sensory disturbances) or other risk factors for stroke. Therefore, oral contraceptives should be used with caution and under medical supervision in women with migraine headaches.
Choice B: A 28-year-old client who has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries) that can cause pain, fever, discharge, or infertility. It can be caused by various bacteria, often sexually transmitted ones such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Oral contraceptives do not protect against STIs or PID, but they may reduce the risk of PID by thickening the cervical mucus and preventing bacteria from entering the uterus. Therefore, oral contraceptives can be used safely in women with a history of PID, but they should also use condoms or other barrier methods to prevent STIs.
Choice C: A 32-year-old client who has benign breast disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Benign breast disease (BBD) is a term that refers to various noncancerous conditions that affect the breast tissue, such as cysts, fibroadenomas, or mastitis. They can cause symptoms such as lumps, pain, or tenderness in the breasts. Oral contraceptives do not cause or increase the risk of BBD, but they may improve some symptoms of BBD by stabilizing the hormonal levels and reducing breast tissue sensitivity. Therefore, oral contraceptives can be used safely in women with BBD, but they should also have regular breast exams and mammograms to monitor their breast health.
Choice D: A 38-year-old client who reports smoking one pack of cigarettes every day has a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Smoking is a habit that involves inhaling the smoke of tobacco or other substances that can cause various health problems, such as lung cancer, heart disease, or stroke. Oral contraceptives can increase the risk of these problems, especially in women who are older than 35 years or smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day. Smoking and oral contraceptives can interact and cause blood clots, high blood pressure, or reduced blood flow to the organs. Therefore, oral contraceptives should be avoided or discontinued in women who smoke, and alternative methods of contraception should be used.
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