A nurse is performing a capillary blood glucose test on a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Don sterile gloves prior to the procedure.
Hold the finger in an upright position prior to the procedure.
Use the lateral tip of the finger to obtain specimen.
Discard the lancet in the trash container.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Don sterile gloves prior to the procedure: Clean gloves, not sterile gloves, are required for a capillary blood glucose test since it is a clean, not sterile, procedure. Sterile technique is unnecessary and not cost-effective for this type of routine testing.
B. Hold the finger in an upright position prior to the procedure: The finger should be held in a dependent (downward) position to promote blood flow to the puncture site. Holding it upright may reduce perfusion and make obtaining an adequate sample more difficult.
C. Use the lateral tip of the finger to obtain specimen: The lateral sides of the fingertip have fewer nerve endings than the center and are more vascular, making them ideal for obtaining an adequate blood sample with minimal discomfort to the client.
D. Discard the lancet in the trash container: Lancets are sharp instruments and must be discarded in an approved sharps container to prevent needle-stick injuries and ensure proper infection control. Disposing of them in regular trash poses a safety hazard.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","G"]
Explanation
Rationale:
- Heart rate: A heart rate of 118/min indicates tachycardia, which may be a compensatory response to hypovolemia or blood loss. Combined with low blood pressure and low hemoglobin/hematocrit, it raises concern for active gastrointestinal bleeding and hemodynamic instability.
- Stool results: A positive hemoccult test confirms gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when paired with the client’s report of dark, tarry stools (melena). This requires prompt evaluation and may indicate upper GI bleeding, such as from a peptic ulcer.
- Current medications: The client is taking high-dose ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which can cause or worsen gastric ulcers and bleeding. Continued use should be stopped immediately and replaced with safer alternatives.
- WBC count: The WBC count is within the normal range and does not indicate an active infection or inflammatory process at this time. It does not require urgent follow-up compared to other findings.
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly low, suggesting blood loss likely due to GI bleeding. These values warrant urgent follow-up and possible transfusion depending on symptoms and stability.
- Temperature: The client’s temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is slightly elevated but within normal limits and not a priority concern. There are no signs of infection or fever that require immediate follow-up.
- Blood pressure: A BP of 90/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is concerning in the context of GI bleeding and low hemoglobin. This may reflect hypovolemia and requires prompt fluid management and monitoring.
- Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 18/min is within normal limits and does not indicate respiratory distress. It does not require immediate follow-up in this context.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Thoroughly explain each procedure to the toddler: Toddlers have limited cognitive ability to understand detailed explanations. Overexplaining may cause anxiety rather than reassurance, especially if unfamiliar medical terms are used.
B. Allow the toddler to handle the equipment: Allowing the toddler to touch and explore safe medical equipment, like a stethoscope, helps reduce fear and builds trust. This play-based approach fosters cooperation and makes the exam less intimidating.
C. Completely undress the toddler: Toddlers can feel vulnerable when fully undressed. It is more appropriate to remove clothing gradually, only as needed for each part of the examination, to ensure comfort and security.
D. Start the examination with routine immunizations: Beginning with painful procedures like injections can create fear and resistance, making the rest of the exam more difficult. Immunizations should be done at the end of the visit.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.