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 C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Maintain the client in a supine position for 24 hours following surgery.": Prolonged supine positioning increases the risk of pulmonary complications such as atelectasis. Early mobilization and elevating the head of the bed help promote lung expansion and reduce postoperative risks.
B. "Expect the client to have a palpable distended bladder following surgery.": A distended bladder is not expected and may indicate urinary retention, a common complication after anesthesia. The nurse should assess and address it promptly, rather than consider it normal.
C. "Report bleeding that saturates the client's dressing.": Active bleeding that saturates a postoperative dressing may indicate hemorrhage and requires immediate intervention. Reporting this finding is critical to prevent further complications like hypovolemia or shock.
D. "Ensure the client's urinary output is no less than 20 mL per hour.": Urine output should be at least 30 mL per hour in adults. A rate below this may indicate hypoperfusion or renal impairment and should prompt further assessment and intervention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Call in additional medical-surgical unit nursing care staff: The initial priority during a mass casualty event is to maximize available resources and free up beds by discharging stable clients. Staffing adjustments come after determining how to expand capacity.
B. Act as a liaison between the facility and the media: This role falls under the responsibilities of public relations or designated administrative personnel. Nurses should focus on patient care and operational tasks relevant to their scope during a crisis.
C. Determine the medical needs of incoming clients through the emergency department: Triage of incoming casualties is performed by designated emergency department staff. Nurses from other units typically assist by creating space or relocating stable clients.
D. Recommend to the provider specific acute care clients for discharge: Identifying stable clients who can be safely discharged allows beds and resources to be allocated to incoming critical cases. This is an appropriate and immediate nursing response during mass casualty.
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