A nurse is setting up a sterile field prior to changing a client's dressing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place a sterile kit on the overbed table above waist level.
Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward their body.
Turn their back to the sterile field when coughing during the procedure.
Hold a package of sterile gauze 30.5 cm (12 in) above the sterile field when dropping the gauze onto the field.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: Placing a sterile kit on the overbed table above waist level maintains the sterility of the field. This position ensures that the kit is not contaminated by lower surfaces or inadvertent touch, which is essential for preventing infection during dressing changes.
Choice B rationale: Opening the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward their body increases the risk of contaminating the sterile field. The first flap should be opened away from the body to maintain the sterility of the field and prevent contamination.
Choice C rationale: Turning their back to the sterile field when coughing is incorrect because it increases the risk of contamination. The nurse should step away from the sterile field and cough into their elbow or use a mask to maintain sterility.
Choice D rationale: Holding a package of sterile gauze 30.5 cm (12 in) above the sterile field when dropping the gauze onto the field is too high and increases the risk of contamination. The gauze should be held closer, approximately 6 inches above the field, to ensure accuracy and sterility.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Selecting a site at least 5 cm (2 in) away from the umbilicus is essential because the tissue around the navel is often tougher and has altered vascularity, which can lead to inconsistent medication absorption.
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Choice B rationale: Air bubbles in prefilled syringes, such as those used for enoxaparin, should not be expelled. The air bubble is designed to be injected last to seal the medication within the subcutaneous tissue and prevent leakage.
Choice C rationale: Aspiration is no longer recommended for subcutaneous injections. There are no large blood vessels in the subcutaneous layer, and aspiration increases the risk of tissue trauma, hematoma formation, and client discomfort.
Choice D rationale: Subcutaneous injections should be administered at a 45° to 90° angle, depending on the amount of subcutaneous fat available. A 15° angle is used specifically for intradermal injections, such as TB skin tests.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Metabolic acidosis would present with a pH below 7.35 and a low HCO3 level. This client's pH is elevated at 7.47, which indicates an alkalotic state rather than an acidic one.
Choice B rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a pH below 7.35 and a PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg. This client's results show the opposite: a high pH and a low PaCO2 level.
Choice C rationale: Metabolic alkalosis requires an elevated HCO3 (typically above 26 mEq/L) to be the primary cause of the high pH. Here, the HCO3 is 25 mEq/L, which is within the normal range.
Choice D rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is defined by a pH above 7.45 and a PaCO2 below 35 mm Hg. The client's pH of 7.47 and PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg perfectly fit this clinical diagnosis.
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