A nurse is setting up a sterile field to perform wound irrigation for a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take when pouring the sterile solution?
Place sterile gauze over areas of spilled solution within the sterile field.
Hold the irrigation solution bottle with the label facing away from the palm of the hand.
Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface.
Hold the bottle in the center of the sterile field when pouring the solution.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is c. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface.
Choice A rationale:
Placing sterile gauze over areas of spilled solution within the sterile field is incorrect. If solution is spilled within the sterile field, the entire field should be considered contaminated and a new sterile field should be set up
Choice B rationale:
Holding the irrigation solution bottle with the label facing away from the palm of the hand is incorrect. The label should face the palm of the hand to avoid contamination of the sterile field
Choice C rationale:
Removing the cap and placing it sterile-side up on a clean surface is correct. This ensures that the sterile side of the cap remains sterile and can be used to recap the bottle after pouring the solution
Choice D rationale:
Holding the bottle in the center of the sterile field when pouring the solution is incorrect. The bottle should be held over the edge of the sterile field to avoid contamination of the field if solution spills
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This will facilitate the insertion of the catheter and reduce the risk of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or hematoma. A straight vein will also allow the catheter to be inserted up to the hub, which reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter.
Choice A is wrong because selecting a site on the client’s dominant arm can interfere with the client’s mobility and increase the risk of dislodging the catheter. The nurse should choose a site on the client’s non-dominant arm, preferably on the hand or forearm.
Choice B is wrong because applying a tourniquet below the venipuncture site will impede blood flow and make it harder to locate a suitable vein. The nurse should apply a tourniquet above the venipuncture site, about 10 to 15 cm from the insertion site.
Choice C is wrong because elevating the client’s arm prior to insertion will decrease venous filling and make it harder to palpate a vein. The nurse should lower the client’s arm below the level of the heart to increase venous distension.
Normal ranges for IV catheter size and insertion angle depend on several factors, such as the type and duration of therapy, the condition and size of the vein, and the age and preference of the client.
In general, smaller gauge catheters (20 to 24) are preferred for peripheral IV therapy, and larger gauge catheters (14 to 18) are used for rapid fluid administration or blood transfusion. The insertion angle can vary from 10 to 30 degrees, depending on the depth and location of the vein.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice B
Choice A rationale: Inserting the catheter without applying suction is correct technique. Suction should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter to prevent mucosal trauma and hypoxia. Initiating suction during insertion can damage tracheal lining and cause bradycardia due to vagal stimulation. Allowing clean insertion without suction reduces injury risk and supports effective secretion removal on withdrawal with controlled suction time.
Choice B rationale: Waiting 2 minutes between suction passes is too long and may delay secretion clearance, risking hypoxia and secretion buildup. Best practice is to wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the client recovers baseline oxygen saturation and heart rate. Prolonged intervals may lead to atelectasis or respiratory distress in patients with poor reserve, especially if suctioning is incomplete or secretions are copious.
Choice C rationale: Suctioning should be limited to 10–15 seconds per pass to reduce hypoxemia and bronchospasm risks. Applying suction for 15 seconds falls within the upper acceptable range, particularly if preoxygenation is done. Extended suction beyond this can decrease PaO₂ levels rapidly. Limiting the suction time ensures safer removal of secretions while minimizing trauma and preserving adequate oxygenation.
Choice D rationale: Encouraging the client to cough facilitates mobilization of secretions toward the upper airway, making suctioning more effective. Coughing also enhances airway clearance naturally and may reduce the number of required suction passes. It is a therapeutic action in tracheostomy care that supports pulmonary hygiene, helps prevent atelectasis, and can reduce the need for deep suctioning interventions.
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