A nurse is preparing to administer IV fluids to a client.
The nurse notes sparks when plugging in the IV pump.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Notify the biomedical department to fix the pump.
Obtain a replacement pump.
Label the pump with a defective equipment sticker.
Unplug the pump.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is d. Unplug the pump.
Rationale for Choice A:
- While notifying the biomedical department to fix the pump is important, it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The first step is to ensure patient and staff safety by removing the potential electrical hazard.
- Delaying the removal of the sparking pump could lead to electrical shock, fire, or other serious consequences.
- Biomedical staff can be notified after the immediate safety risk has been addressed.
Rationale for Choice B:
- Obtaining a replacement pump is necessary to continue the client's IV therapy, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
- The priority is to eliminate the electrical hazard posed by the sparking pump.
- Once the faulty pump is unplugged and safety is ensured, the nurse can then proceed to obtain a replacement pump.
Rationale for Choice C:
- Labeling the pump with a defective equipment sticker is important to prevent others from using it, but it does not address the immediate safety risk.
- The priority is to disconnect the pump from the power source to eliminate the risk of electrical shock or fire.
- Labeling can be done after the pump has been unplugged and the situation has been assessed.
Rationale for Choice D:
- Unplugging the pump is the correct first action because it immediately removes the electrical hazard, preventing potential harm to the patient, staff, or equipment.
- This action prioritizes safety and mitigates the risk of electrical shock, burns, fire, or other serious consequences.
- It is essential to act quickly and decisively in such situations to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Assisting with ambulation for a client who has a pulmonary infection.
Assistive personnel can perform basic nursing care functions such as assisting patients with mobility.
Choice A is wrong because showing a client how to use an incentive spirometer prior to surgery requires more specialized knowledge and training.
Choice C is wrong because irrigating a client’s infected surgical wound is a more complex medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed nurse.
Choice D is wrong because inserting a glycerin suppository for a client who is constipated is also a more complex medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed nurse.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
If a client expresses confusion or lack of understanding about a medical procedure, the nurse should notify the provider so that they can clarify any misunderstandings and ensure that the client is fully informed before giving their consent.
Choice A is wrong because providing brochures about the procedure may not be sufficient to address the client’s confusion or lack of understanding.
Choice B is wrong because completing an incident report is not an appropriate action in this situation.
Choice D is wrong because it is the provider’s responsibility to ensure that the client fully understands the procedure and gives informed consent.
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