A nurse is attempting to flush the IV saline lock for a client. The client reports pain above the catheter site. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Apply a warm compress to the IV site.

Remove the IV saline lock.

Inject the solution more slowly while flushing the IV saline lock.

Apply firm pressure to the plunger of the syringe during the NV flush to improve patency.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Apply a warm compress to the IV site: While warm compresses can sometimes help alleviate discomfort associated with certain IV complications, such as phlebitis or infiltration, they should not be applied until the cause of the pain is identified. In this case, removing the IV saline lock is the priority action to assess the site properly.

B. Remove the IV saline lock: Pain above the catheter site during flushing may indicate infiltration or phlebitis, both of which require intervention. Removing the IV saline lock allows the nurse to assess the site for signs of complications such as swelling, redness, or coolness to the touch. Once removed, the nurse can then determine the appropriate course of action, such as reinserting the IV at a different site, applying warm compresses, or notifying the healthcare provider if further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

C. Inject the solution more slowly while flushing the IV saline lock: Injecting the solution more slowly may reduce discomfort during flushing, but it does not address the underlying cause of the pain. If there is infiltration or another issue with the IV site, continuing to flush slowly could exacerbate the problem.

D. Apply firm pressure to the plunger of the syringe during the IV flush to improve patency: Applying firm pressure to the plunger of the syringe during flushing is not appropriate when the client reports pain above the catheter site. This action could potentially force fluid into surrounding tissues, worsening infiltration or causing additional discomfort. It is essential to address the pain and assess the IV site before attempting to flush the saline lock again.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Contact the provider for further orders:
Contacting the provider for further orders might delay the administration of blood, which is crucial in situations where there is an urgent need, such as severe bleeding or anemia. Given that the unit of blood available is type O negative, which is universally compatible with most recipients in emergency situations, waiting for further orders could jeopardize the client's health.
B. Complete an incident report:
There is no incident or error that occurred in this situation. Using type O negative blood for a recipient with type A positive blood is an accepted practice in emergencies, and therefore, does not warrant the completion of an incident report.
C. Administer the blood as ordered:
Type O negative blood can be safely administered to recipients with any blood type in emergency situations. Since the client requires blood, and the unit available is type O negative, which is universally compatible, administering the blood as ordered is the appropriate action to ensure timely treatment.
D. Notify the blood bank:
Notifying the blood bank is unnecessary in this situation. The nurse has a unit of type O negative blood on hand, which is appropriate for immediate administration to the client with type A positive blood. There's no need to inform the blood bank as the blood is compatible and can be safely administered.

A. Increased blood pressure B. Decreased heart rate C. Dyspnea D. Weak pulse

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Increased blood pressure:
In hypovolemia, the body experiences a significant loss of blood volume, which leads to a reduction in the amount of blood available to circulate through the vessels. This causes a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, rather than an increase. The body tries to compensate for the lower blood volume by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate, but this typically isn't sufficient to increase blood pressure to normal levels.

B. Decreased heart rate:
The body's natural response to hypovolemia includes an increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia, as the heart attempts to pump the remaining blood more efficiently to vital organs. This compensatory mechanism aims to maintain cardiac output despite the decreased blood volume.

C. Dyspnea:
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in many medical conditions, including heart failure and respiratory issues. While it can be seen in severe cases of hypovolemia, particularly if the condition leads to shock and subsequent multi-organ failure, it is not a primary or specific sign of hypovolemia.

D. Weak pulse:
A weak pulse is a primary and direct manifestation of hypovolemia. Due to the reduced volume of circulating blood, the heart has less blood to pump with each contraction, leading to a weaker pulse. This symptom indicates a decreased perfusion pressure, which is characteristic of hypovolemia. The body's compensatory mechanisms include vasoconstriction and an increased heart rate, but these measures often result in a pulse that is rapid but weak.

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A nurse is attempting to flush the IV saline lock for a client. The client reports pain above the catheter site. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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