A nurse is caring for client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion . The nurse notes the skin around the catheter's insertion site is edematous and cool. Which of the following actions is should the nurse take First?
Document the infiltration
Elevate the arm
Apply a warm compress.
Stop the infusion.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Document the infiltration: While documentation is an important part of the nursing process, it is not the first action to take. If an infiltration is suspected, the priority is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent further harm or fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues. Once the infusion is stopped, the nurse can then document the infiltration for medical record purposes.
B) Elevate the arm: Elevating the arm can help reduce swelling, but this should not be the first step. The first priority when infiltration is suspected is to stop the infusion, as continuing it can worsen the tissue damage and swelling. After stopping the infusion, elevating the arm may be considered as part of the subsequent management of the infiltration.
C) Apply a warm compress: A warm compress may be helpful after stopping the infusion, particularly if the infiltration involves non-vesicant fluids. However, applying a warm compress is not the immediate action. The first step should be stopping the infusion to prevent any further fluid from infiltrating the tissues.
D) Stop the infusion: The most immediate and appropriate action when infiltration is noted around the IV insertion site is to stop the infusion. This prevents additional fluid from leaking into the surrounding tissues, which could cause further damage. Once the infusion is stopped, the nurse can take other steps to manage the infiltration, such as assessing the site, applying a warm compress, or notifying the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) pH 7.36 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 38 mm Hg (35 to 45 mmHg), HCO3 25 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This is a normal set of arterial blood gas (ABG) values, with a pH within normal range, a normal PaCO2, and a normal HCO3. It does not suggest metabolic alkalosis.
B) pH 7.48 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 32 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 24 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): Although the pH is elevated, indicating alkalosis, the PaCO2 is slightly low, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range. This set of values does not indicate metabolic alkalosis, but could indicate respiratory alkalosis or compensated alkalosis.
C) pH 7.46 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 36 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 29 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This is consistent with metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH (alkalosis) combined with an increased bicarbonate level (HCO3 > 26 mEq/L) and a normal PaCO2 suggests metabolic alkalosis, as the kidneys retain bicarbonate to compensate for the condition.
D) pH 7.26 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 35 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 18 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This set of values indicates acidosis, not alkalosis. The pH is low, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is also low, which suggests metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is normal, which further supports a metabolic origin of the acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Position the client on their left side.
This is the most appropriate action. The client's symptoms (dizziness, racing heart, and paleness) are consistent with supine hypotensive syndrome, which occurs when the pregnant uterus compresses the inferior vena cava while lying on the back, reducing venous return to the heart. Positioning the client on their left side relieves the pressure on the vena cava, restores normal blood flow, and alleviates these symptoms. This is a common intervention during pregnancy to prevent such complications.
B) Check the client's temperature.
While checking the client’s temperature may be necessary if an infection is suspected, the symptoms described are more indicative of supine hypotensive syndrome rather than an infection. Therefore, checking the temperature is not the priority action in this scenario.
C) Instruct the client to take a brisk walk.
Encouraging the client to take a brisk walk is not an appropriate response to the symptoms described. In fact, moving or exerting oneself might worsen dizziness or lead to further complications. The priority is to relieve the pressure on the vena cava by changing the client's position, not by physical activity.
D) Provide the client with a glass of orange juice.
Although providing orange juice might help if the client is experiencing hypoglycemia, there is no indication from the symptoms described that the client has low blood sugar. The client's symptoms are more likely due to positional changes that affect circulation during pregnancy, and the best immediate action is to change the client's position rather than offering food or drink.
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