A nurse is preparing to initiate IV therapy for an older adult client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Select a vein on the back of the hand.
Clean the site using vigorous friction.
Use a 22-gauge catheter for insertion.
Apply a tourniquet firmly above the insertion site.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Select a vein on the back of the hand: Veins on the dorsum of the hand are often more fragile and prone to infiltration or rupture in older adults. Using a more proximal site, such as the forearm, is generally safer and more stable for IV therapy.
B. Clean the site using vigorous friction: Older adults often have thinner, more delicate skin that can tear easily. While proper antiseptic technique is important, vigorous friction can cause skin trauma and should be avoided during site preparation.
C. Use a 22-gauge catheter for insertion: A 22-gauge catheter is appropriate for older adults because it minimizes vein trauma while still allowing for adequate flow rates. This size is effective for most fluids and medications while reducing the risk of vessel damage.
D. Apply a tourniquet firmly above the insertion site: Applying a tourniquet too tightly can injure fragile veins or cause them to collapse. In older adults, using minimal pressure or alternative vein-dilation methods like warm compresses is often safer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Smoked salmon: Smoked and aged foods are high in tyramine, which can interact dangerously with phenelzine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This interaction can trigger a hypertensive crisis, making smoked salmon a food to avoid during therapy.
B. Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese contains low levels of tyramine compared to aged cheeses and is generally considered safe for clients taking MAOIs like phenelzine. It does not pose a significant risk for hypertensive crisis.
C. Grapefruit: Grapefruit can interact with many medications by affecting liver enzymes, but it does not have a known interaction with phenelzine. The concern with phenelzine is primarily with tyramine-rich foods, not citrus fruits.
D. Spinach: Spinach is not high in tyramine and does not interact with MAOIs. It is a leafy green that is safe and healthy for clients to consume while on phenelzine.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Provide a quiet environment for the client: Minimizing noise and stimulation helps reduce stress and prevents spikes in intracranial pressure (ICP). A calm environment is essential for neurologically compromised clients.
B. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe: Coughing can increase thoracic pressure and, consequently, ICP. In clients with elevated ICP, activities that increase intrathoracic or intra-abdominal pressure should be avoided to prevent worsening brain injury.
C. Obtain client vital signs every 8 hr: Clients with increased ICP require frequent monitoring, often hourly or every 2–4 hours, to detect changes in neurologic status or signs of Cushing's triad. Every 8 hours is insufficient for early intervention.
D. Maintain the head of the bed at a 30 degree angle: Elevating the head promotes venous outflow from the brain without compromising perfusion. A 30-degree elevation is a commonly recommended position to help control ICP levels.
E. Administer stool softeners to the client: Straining during bowel movements increases intra-abdominal pressure and can elevate ICP. Stool softeners reduce this risk and are a supportive intervention in the management of increased ICP.
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