A nurse is caring for a client who has an IV in the left forearm and whose infusion pump has alarmed several times. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Reposition the client's left arm.
Check the IV site for redness.
Ensure the tubing connections are secure.
Flush the IV catheter
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Repositioning the client's left arm is incorrect. Repositioning the arm might help prevent kinks or occlusions in the tubing, but addressing the tubing connections comes first.
Choice B Reason:
Checking the IV site for redness is incorrect. Checking for redness is important to assess for signs of infection or inflammation, but it can wait until after addressing the tubing issue.
Choice C Reason:
Ensuring the tubing connections are secure is correct. When the infusion pump alarms, the first step is to ensure that the tubing connections are secure. A loose or disconnected tubing can lead to interrupted or inadequate infusion, which could affect the client's treatment and well-being. By checking and securing the tubing connections, the nurse can address any immediate issues related to the alarm.
Choice D Reason:
Flushing the IV catheter is incorrect - Flushing the catheter might be necessary if there are blockages or if medications need to be administered, but addressing the tubing connections is the immediate priority when the infusion pump alarms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Loose tracheal secretions are incorrect. While this could lead to airway issues if not managed, it's not as urgent as stridor.
Choice B reason:
Hypoactive bowel sounds are incorrect. Bowel sounds can be affected by anaesthesia and the surgical procedure, but they are not as immediately critical as airway issues.
Choice C reason:
High-pitched sound on inspiration. A high-pitched sound on inspiration, also known as stridor, can indicate a potential issue with the airway or breathing. Stridor can occur due to narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway, which can be particularly concerning after a thyroidectomy. It could suggest edema, bleeding, or damage to the laryngeal nerves, which are critical for vocal cord function and airway control. Stridor could potentially lead to airway compromise, making it a priority to report to the provider for immediate evaluation and intervention.
Choice D reason:
Client report of pain at the incision is incorrect. Pain management is important, but it's not an immediate threat to the client's airway or overall condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client reports being extremely thirsty with a sore throat - This could be due to the presence of the NG tube and suctioning, but it is not as immediately concerning as the change in drainage colour.
Choice B Reason:
The client's abdomen becomes distended and firm - While this could indicate a possible complication, it is not as directly related to the change in drainage colour.
Choice C Reason:
The drainage is bright green in colour with brown faecal material the finding that the drainage from the NG tube is bright green in colour with brown faecal material should be reported to the provider. This change in the colour and appearance of the drainage can be indicative of bilious (greenish-yellow) vomiting, which may suggest an obstruction or another underlying issue. It's important to assess the client's condition and inform the provider about any significant changes in their symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
The amount of drainage is gradually decreasing - Gradually decreasing drainage could be expected as the condition improves, but it's not as alarming as a change in the drainage colour.
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