A nurse assesses a patient’s peripheral IV site and notices edema and tenderness above the site. What action will the nurse take next?

A. Electrical burns can have small amounts of skin damage, but more extensive damage beneath the skin.

This response is the best choice because it educates the client about the potential for deeper tissue damage associated with electrical burns. It acknowledges that while the burn on the skin may appear small, the damage underneath could be more extensive, affecting muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

B. Electrical burns commonly cause reddened/purplish skin without blistering.

This statement is not the best response because it focuses solely on the appearance of the skin without addressing the potential for deeper tissue damage. While it is true that electrical burns can present with reddened or purplish skin without blistering, this response does not provide comprehensive information about the nature and severity of electrical burns.

C. Electrical burns typically are minor.

This response is incorrect because it downplays the seriousness of electrical burns. While some electrical burns may indeed be minor, others can cause significant tissue damage and complications. It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the range of severity that electrical burns can present.

D. Electrical burns usually cause much more skin damage than what can be seen on your skin.

This statement is partially accurate but does not provide as much information as choice A. While it acknowledges that electrical burns can cause more damage than what is visible on the skin's surface, it doesn't emphasize the potential for deeper tissue damage as effectively as choice A does.

A. The transfusion will begin after the administration of 650 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol).

This option suggests that the nurse would administer acetaminophen to lower the client's temperature and then proceed with the blood transfusion. While acetaminophen can be used to reduce fever, the decision to administer medication should be made by the healthcare provider after assessing the client's overall condition and determining the cause of the fever. Administering medication without proper evaluation and orders from the healthcare provider is not appropriate.

B. The blood will be held, and the health care provider will be notified.

This option is the correct choice. When a client has an elevated temperature before a blood transfusion, it is standard practice to hold the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. An elevated temperature could indicate an underlying infection or another condition that needs to be evaluated before proceeding with the transfusion to ensure the client's safety.

C. The transfusion will begin after the administration of an antihistamine.

Administering an antihistamine would not be the appropriate action in response to an elevated temperature before a blood transfusion. Antihistamines are typically used to treat allergic reactions, not fevers. Holding the transfusion and notifying the healthcare provider to assess the situation would be the correct course of action.

D. The transfusion will begin as prescribed.

This option is not appropriate because starting the transfusion without addressing the elevated temperature could pose risks to the client's health. Elevated temperatures may indicate an underlying infection or other conditions that need to be evaluated before proceeding with the transfusion. Holding the transfusion and seeking further guidance from the healthcare provider is the recommended action in this scenario.