A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client following a motor-vehicle crash.

The client’s Glasgow coma scale rating is 15.

Which of the following findings should the nurse expect

The correct answer is choice D, a noncoring needle.

A noncoring needle is a special type of needle that has a beveled tip and a side hole. It is designed to prevent damage to the port’s septum, which is the soft silicone top that serves as the vein access point.

A noncoring needle also reduces the risk of infection and clotting.

Choice A is wrong because a butterfly needle is a small, winged needle that is used for peripheral venous access, not for accessing a port. A butterfly needle can damage the port’s septum and cause leakage or infection.

Choice B is wrong because an angiocatheter is a thin, plastic tube that is inserted into a vein using a needle.

It is used for short-term IV therapy, not for accessing a port. An angiocatheter can also damage the port’s septum and cause complications.

Choice C is wrong because a 25-gauge needle is too small to access a port.

A 25-gauge needle is typically used for subcutaneous injections, not for intravenous injections. A 25-gauge needle can also clog the port or cause hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells).

Normal ranges for ports vary depending on the type and size of the port, but generally they have a reservoir diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 cm, a catheter length of 40 to 60 cm, and a catheter diameter of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. Ports are usually flushed with saline or heparin solution every 4 to 6 weeks when not in use to prevent clotting.

Choice A reason

Abdomen area is not appropriate: Assessing skin turgor on the abdomen is not commonly performed. The abdomen may not be the most accurate site for assessing skin turgor, especially in older adults, as it can be influenced by factors such as body fat distribution.

Choice B reason:

Shoulder are is not appropriate: The shoulder is not a typical site for assessing skin turgor. It is generally not used for this purpose, as it may not provide reliable results

Choice C reason:

Stomach is not the correct answer.: Assessing skin turgor on the stomach is also not commonly performed. The abdomen or stomach may not be the most accurate site for assessing skin turgor, especially in older adults.

Choice D reason

When assessing skin turgor in an older adult client, the nurse should lift the skin on the neck to evaluate its elasticity and hydration status. Skin turgor is a measure of skin's elasticity and is commonly used as an indicator of hydration in both adults and older adults.

To assess skin turgor, the nurse will gently pinch a small amount of skin on the back of the client's hand or the front of the chest (sternum). However, since the options listed do not include these areas, the closest alternative for an older adult would be the neck.