A nurse is preparing to insert an IV catheter for an adult client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the tourniquet above the proposed insertion site.
Place the extremity in a dependent position.
Choose the most proximal site on the extremity selected.
Apply a cool compress for several minutes before insertion of the IV catheter.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
When preparing to insert an IV catheter, placing the tourniquet above the proposed insertion site helps facilitate venous distension and makes it easier to locate a suitable vein for the catheter insertion. This technique helps to improve visibility and access to the vein.
Choice B reason:
Placing the extremity in a dependent position (lower than the heart) can increase venous pressure and make it more difficult to insert the catheter.
Choice C reason:
Choosing the most proximal site on the extremity is not always necessary or appropriate. Veins distal to the proposed insertion site should be considered first, as they tend to be smaller and less accessible.
Choice D reason:
Applying a cool compress is not typically done before IV catheter insertion. It might cause vasoconstriction and make it more difficult to access a suitable vein.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing the wasted portion of the controlled substance in the sharp container is not correct. Wasted controlled substances should be disposed of according to specific regulations and facility protocols.
Choice B reason:
Asking a second nurse to record her signature when wasting an unused portion of the controlled substance is not a standard practice. The process for wasting controlled substances usually involves following specific documentation procedures, but this does not necessarily require a second nurse's signature.
Choice C reason:
Verifying the count total of the controlled substance after removing the amount needed is the appropriate action. When administering a controlled substance, it is crucial to maintain accurate accountability of the medication. This includes verifying the count total of the controlled substance before and after removing the amount needed for administration. This step helps ensure proper documentation, prevent errors, and maintain appropriate control over controlled substances.
Choice D reason:
Reporting any discrepancy in the count total of the controlled substance after administration is important, but it should be done as a separate step from verifying the count total before administration. Discrepancies should be reported according to facility policy to ensure proper investigation and resolution.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Protective precautions are not necessary because they (also known as reverse isolation) are used for immunocompromised clients to protect them from potential pathogens carried by healthcare workers or visitors.
Choice B reason:
Droplet precautions are not necessary because they are used for infections spread through larger respiratory droplets, like influenza or pertussis.
Choice C reason:
Airborne precautions should be implemented by the nurse. Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through the airborne route, as the bacteria that cause TB can be suspended in the air as tiny particles (droplet nuclei) when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These particles can be inhaled by others, leading to the potential transmission of the disease.
Choice D reason:
Contact precautions are not necessary because they are used for infections that are transmitted through direct contact with the client or contaminated surfaces, such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or C. difficile.

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