A nurse is preparing to initiate intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy for a newly admitted 12-month-old infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Use a 24-gauge catheter to start the IV.
Start the IV in the infant's foot.
Cover the insertion site with an opaque dressing.
Change the IV site every 3 days.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: A 24-gauge catheter is appropriate for a small and fragile vein of a 12-month-old infant. It minimizes the risk of damaging the vein and ensures the comfort of the infant during IV therapy.
Choice B reason: Starting an IV in the infant's foot is not the first choice due to the risk of movement dislodging the catheter. The hand or the antecubital fossa are preferred sites for IV insertion in infants.
Choice C reason: While it is important to cover the IV insertion site, an opaque dressing is not necessary. A transparent dressing is preferred as it allows for continuous visibility of the site for signs of infection or phlebitis.
Choice D reason: The IV site should not be routinely changed every 3 days. It should be changed based on clinical indications such as signs of infection, infiltration, or phlebitis, or if the IV becomes dislodged.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL is higher than the normal range for a 4-year-old child and could indicate kidney impairment, which is a concern when administering gentamicin due to its potential nephrotoxic effects. The provider should be informed immediately to assess kidney function and adjust the medication if necessary.
Choice B reason: A BUN level of 6 mg/dL is within the normal range for children and does not typically warrant immediate concern. However, it should be monitored along with creatinine levels to assess kidney function.
Choice C reason: A creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL is within the normal range for a 4-year-old child and does not indicate an immediate concern. It should be monitored for any changes, especially when on gentamicin.
Choice D reason: A BUN level of 12 mg/dL is slightly elevated but may not be immediately concerning. It should be evaluated in conjunction with other laboratory values and clinical findings.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a 20-gauge needle for injections in a 3-month-old infant is not appropriate as it is too large. A smaller gauge needle should be used to minimize pain and tissue trauma.
Choice B reason: Providing a pacifier coated with an oral sucrose solution prior to the injections is an evidence-based practice to reduce pain in infants. The sweet taste of sucrose has a soothing effect and can help to distract the infant from the discomfort of the injection.
Choice C reason: Injecting immunizations into the deltoid muscle is not recommended for a 3-month-old infant as their muscle mass is not yet fully developed. The anterolateral thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants.
Choice D reason: Applying eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream immediately before the injections can help to numb the skin and reduce pain. However, it needs to be applied at least one hour before the procedure to be effective.
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