A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new arteriovenous fistula in the right forearm. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching as a possible indication of venous insufficiency?
Cold and numb sensation distal to the fistula site
A raised red rash around the fistula site
Pain in the right arm proximal to the fistula site
Foul-smelling drainage from the fistula site
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Cold and numb sensation distal to the fistula site is a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have difficulty returning blood from the limbs to the heart, resulting in blood pooling and reduced perfusion. A new arteriovenous fistula can cause increased blood flow through the artery and decreased blood flow through the vein, leading to venous insufficiency. This can manifest as coldness, numbness, tingling, or cyanosis in the fingers or hand below the fistula site.
Choice B: A raised red rash around the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. A raised red rash around the fistula site can indicate an allergic reaction, an infection, or an inflammation of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. The nurse should assess the rash for size, shape, color, texture, temperature, and drainage, and report any signs of infection or inflammation, such as fever, pus, or swelling.
Choice C: Pain in the right arm proximal to the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Pain in the right arm proximal to the fistula site can indicate arterial insufficiency, which is a condition in which the arteries have difficulty delivering oxygen-rich blood to the tissues, resulting in ischemia and necrosis. Arterial insufficiency can be caused by atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, or vasospasm. The nurse should assess the pain for location, intensity, duration, frequency, and quality, and report any signs of ischemia or necrosis, such as pallor, coolness, weak pulses, or ulceration.
Choice D: Foul-smelling drainage from the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Foul-smelling drainage from the fistula site can indicate an infection of the fistula or surrounding tissue. The nurse should assess the drainage for color, odor, amount, and consistency, and report any signs of infection or sepsis, such as fever, chills, malaise, or hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is: A. Elective cardioversion
Choice A reason:
Elective cardioversion is a medical procedure that is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing certain types of arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia (VT), when they are stable. It involves the delivery of a controlled electric shock to the heart, which is synchronized with the heart's electrical activity to convert the abnormal rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm. This procedure is typically performed when VT is not causing hemodynamic instability and the patient is not in immediate danger.
Choice B reason:
Defibrillation is an emergency treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. It involves delivering a high-energy electric shock to the heart unsynchronized to the heart's electrical cycle, aiming to reset the heart's electrical state and allow it to reestablish an effective rhythm. In the scenario provided, where the patient is experiencing VT but not VF, defibrillation would not be the first line of action unless the VT deteriorates into VF or the patient becomes pulseless.
Choice C reason:
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. In the case of VT, if the patient is conscious and has a pulse, CPR is not indicated. CPR would only be necessary if the patient's heart stops beating (cardiac arrest) as a result of the VT.
Choice D reason:
Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a procedure used to treat some types of arrhythmias, including VT, by destroying the area of heart tissue that is causing the abnormal heart rhythm. This treatment is generally considered when medication is ineffective or not tolerated, or in recurrent VT. It is not typically the first line of treatment in an acute setting where the patient is stable and experiencing VT.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because cleaning the wound is not a priority when the client is bleeding profusely. Cleaning the wound can also dislodge any clots that have formed and increase bleeding.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because applying a tourniquet is a last resort when direct pressure fails to stop bleeding. A tourniquet can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, and infection if applied incorrectly or for too long.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because applying direct pressure over the wound is the first and most effective action to stop bleeding from a wound. This is the first and most effective action to stop bleeding from a wound. Direct pressure compresses the blood vessels and prevents further blood loss. The nurse should use a clean cloth or dressing to cover the wound and apply firm pressure with both hands.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because elevating the limb and applying ice are not effective actions to stop bleeding from a wound. Elevating the limb can reduce blood flow to the injured area, but it does not compress the blood vessels or prevent blood loss. Applying ice can cause vasoconstriction, but it can also damage the skin and tissues if applied for too long.

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