A nurse is assessing a client who has intravenous therapy-related phlebitis. The nurse uses the Infusion Nurses Society's phlebitis scale to assess the severity of phlebitis and documents the client's phlebitis as grade level 1. Which of the following assessment findings correlates with a grade level of 1?
Purulent drainage at the intravenous site access site.
Redness at the intravenous access site with pain.
Red streaks on the affected extremity.
Palpable venous cord in the affected extremity.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Purulent drainage at the intravenous site access site would indicate a more severe infection, possibly grade 3 or 4 on the Infusion Nurses Society's phlebitis scale. This would be associated with more advanced symptoms such as pus formation, which is not characteristic of grade 1 phlebitis.
Choice B reason:
Redness at the intravenous access site with pain is indicative of grade 1 phlebitis according to the Infusion Nurses Society's phlebitis scale. This grade is characterized by erythema and possible pain at the site of the IV insertion, without more severe symptoms such as swelling or streak formation.
Choice C reason:
Red streaks on the affected extremity suggest a progression of the inflammatory response, potentially indicating a higher grade of phlebitis, such as grade 2 or 3. This symptom suggests that the inflammation is spreading along the vein, which is more serious than grade 1 phlebitis.
Choice D reason:
A palpable venous cord in the affected extremity would also suggest a more severe form of phlebitis, likely grade 3. This occurs when a thrombus forms along with inflammation of the vein, leading to a palpable cord-like structure.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a) Raloxifene:
Raloxifene is part of a class of drugs known as selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs). It works by imitating the beneficial effects of the hormone estrogen on your bones, helping to prevent bone loss and improve density. Therefore, it is used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Choice b) Calcitonin:
Calcitonin is a hormone that a person’s thyroid gland produces. It helps regulate the amount of calcium in the body. For the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, scientists typically extract calcitonin from salmon. This is because salmon calcitonin has a much higher potency than human calcitonin. Osteoclasts are cells in the body that degrade bone. Calcitonin can inhibit osteoclasts. This helps slow the loss of bone density and increases bone mass, hindering the progression of osteoporosis.
Choice c) Allopurinol:
Allopurinol is primarily used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is not typically used in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.
Choice d) Levothyroxine:
Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It is not typically used in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. However, if you are prescribed levothyroxine you should have regular blood tests, at least once a year, to ensure your thyroid hormone levels are not too high. Continuous high thyroid hormone levels may lead to developing or worsening of low bone density and osteoporosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Generalized urticaria, or hives, is not a common side effect of radiation therapy for lung cancer. While skin reactions can occur, they are usually localized to the area being treated. Urticaria might be a sign of an allergic reaction, which would require immediate attention, but it is not typically associated with radiation therapy¹.
Choice B reason:
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the radiation field includes salivary glands. For lung cancer patients, if the radiation field is near the neck or upper chest, it could potentially affect salivary gland function. Monitoring for xerostomia is important because it can lead to difficulties in speaking, eating, and swallowing, and it increases the risk for dental problems².
Choice C reason:
While reviewing laboratory test results for low hemoglobin is an important part of nursing care, it is not specific to radiation therapy for lung cancer. Low hemoglobin could be related to the cancer itself or a side effect of other treatments like chemotherapy. It is important to monitor, but not the primary action related to radiation therapy³.
Choice D reason:
Observing for signs of infection is a general nursing responsibility for all patients, not specific to those receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer. However, if the patient's immune system is compromised due to the cancer or other treatments, vigilance for infection is heightened.
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