A nurse is collecting a capillary blood sample from an older adult client. After puncturing the client's finger, the nurse is unable to obtain an adequate amount of blood. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Rub the puncture site with an alcohol pad.
Apply firm pressure to the puncture site.
Wrap the client's hand in a warm washcloth.
Have the client raise his hand.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Rubbing the puncture site with an alcohol pad is inappropriate. Rubbing the puncture site with an alcohol pad can cause vasoconstriction and make it more difficult to obtain a blood sample.
Choice B Reason:
Applying firm pressure to the puncture site is inappropriate. Applying firm pressure can further reduce blood flow to the puncture site, making it more challenging to collect an adequate blood sample.
Choice C Reason:
Wrapping the client's hand in a warm washcloth is appropriate. Applying a warm compress to the puncture site can help dilate the blood vessels and improve blood flow, making it easier to obtain a sufficient blood sample. This is especially beneficial for older adults who may have reduced blood flow to the extremities.
Choice D Reason:
Having the client raise his hand is inappropriate. Raising the hand may not be as effective as applying a warm washcloth in promoting blood flow to the puncture site. The warm washcloth helps to encourage vasodilation and improve the chances of obtaining an adequate blood sample.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Avoid entering the client's room unless requested during the night is inappropriate. While minimizing entries can reduce disruptions, it's important for the nurse to perform necessary checks and care interventions. Avoiding the room completely might compromise the client's safety or care.
Choice B Reason:
Turn off alarms on bedside monitoring equipment is inappropriate. Disabling alarms can jeopardize patient safety as these alarms often indicate critical changes in the client's condition. Adjusting alarm settings or investigating if noise levels can be reduced without compromising safety would be more appropriate.
Choice C Reason:
Conduct staff communications away from the client's room is appropriate. This intervention helps minimize noise levels near the client's room, creating a quieter environment conducive to sleep. Staff conducting communications away from the room reduces unnecessary disturbances that might affect the client's rest.
Choice D Reason:
Turn on the client's TV to distract from hallway noise is inappropriate. Introducing more noise, such as from a TV, might not effectively address the issue of sleep disturbance due to external noise. Additionally, it's essential to respect the client's preferences, and some may prefer a quiet environment for sleep rather than additional noise from a TV.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Questioning the client about allergies before the procedure is appropriate. It is essential to assess the client for any allergies, especially to contrast dye, before the procedure. Allergic reactions to contrast dye can range from mild to severe, and prompt identification of potential allergies is crucial to prevent adverse reactions. If the client has a known allergy to the contrast dye, alternative imaging methods or pre-medication may be considered.
Choice B Reason:
Telling the client to increase fluid intake following the procedure is inappropriate. This instruction is relevant post-procedure for the elimination of the contrast dye from the body. However, it is not the priority at this moment, and the client's safety during the procedure takes precedence.
Choice C Reason:
Evaluating the client for claustrophobia is inappropriate. Assessing for claustrophobia is important, especially if the CT scan involves an enclosed space. However, this assessment can typically be conducted in advance of the procedure during the pre-procedure preparations.
Choice D Reason:
Informing the client about the steps of the procedure is inappropriate. Providing information about the procedure is important for the client's understanding and cooperation. However, ensuring the client's safety during the procedure by assessing for potential allergies to the contrast dye comes first.
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