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A nurse is assessing a client’s IV infusion site and notes that the site is cool and edematous.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Initiate a new IV distal to the initial site.

Slow the IV solution rate.

Maintain the extremity below the level of the heart.

Apply a warm, moist compress.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is:

d. Apply a warm, moist compress.

Here's why the other options are not recommended:

a. Initiate a new IV distal to the initial site: This is not the first course of action. While starting a new IV might be necessary eventually, it's crucial to address the issue at the current site first.
b. Slow the IV solution rate: Slowing the rate doesn't directly address the coolness and edema, which indicate potential infiltration or extravasation.
c. Maintain the extremity below the level of the heart: This action would actually worsen the edema by promoting fluid accumulation at the site.

Applying a warm, moist compress can help promote absorption of any leaked fluid and improve circulation at the site. However, it's important to remember that this is just one step in the process. The nurse should also:

Stop the IV infusion.
Assess the extent of the infiltration or extravasation.
Document the findings.
Elevate the affected extremity.
Consult with a physician for further instructions and potential treatment.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This is because swelling of the feet can be a sign of lithium toxicity, which is a serious condition that can occur when the level of lithium in the blood is too high. Lithium toxicity can cause confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and kidney problems. Therefore, the client should report any signs of lithium toxicity to their provider as soon as possible.

Choice A is wrong because limiting foods containing tyramine is not necessary for clients taking lithium. Tyramine is a substance found in some foods that can interact with certain antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but not with lithium.

Choice B is wrong because decreasing the daily sodium intake can actually increase the risk of lithium toxicity.

Sodium helps to regulate the amount of lithium in the body, so if the sodium level is low, the lithium level can rise too high.

The client should maintain a normal sodium intake and drink enough fluids while taking lithium.

Choice C is wrong because taking this medication 2 hours before a meal is not required for clients taking lithium.

Lithium can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day to keep a steady level in the blood.

Taking lithium 2 hours before a meal may cause stomach upset, which is a common side effect of lithium.

A. Improved cognition. B. Cardiac arrhythmias absent. C. Decreased vomiting. D. Absent Chvostek’s sign.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Hyponatremia is a condition where the sodium level in the blood is too low, which can cause confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma. A hypertonic solution is a fluid that has a higher concentration of solutes than the blood, which can help raise the sodium level and reduce the brain swelling caused by hyponatremia. Therefore, improved cognition indicates that the treatment is effective.

Choice B. Cardiac arrhythmias absent.

Cardiac arrhythmias are not a common symptom of hyponatremia unless it is severe or rapid in onset.

Therefore, their absence does not necessarily indicate that the treatment is effective.

Choice C. Decreased vomiting.

Vomiting can be a cause or a consequence of hyponatremia, depending on the underlying condition.

Decreased vomiting may indicate that the patient is less nauseated, but it does not reflect the sodium level or the brain status.

Choice D. Absent Chvostek’s sign.

Chvostek’s sign is a facial twitching that occurs when tapping on the cheek, which indicates hypocalcemia (low calcium level).

It is not related to hyponatremia or hypertonic solution.

Normal ranges for sodium are 135 to 145 mEq/L and for calcium are 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.

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A nurse is assessing a client’s IV infusion site and notes that the site is cool and edematous. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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A nurse is assessing a client’s IV infusion site and notes that the site is cool and edematous.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?