A nurse is taking care of a patient who has just had a central venous access line inserted. What is the next step the nurse should ensure is completed?
Verify that the solution is suitable for a central line.
Double-check medication calculations with another RN.
Confirm placement with an x-ray.
Initiate the prescribed infusion via the new access.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
While verifying the suitability of the solution for a central line is important, it is not the immediate next step after insertion. Solutions that are incompatible with central lines can cause damage to the catheter or precipitate in the bloodstream, leading to serious complications. However, confirming placement takes priority to ensure the line is correctly positioned before any infusion is initiated.
Choice B rationale:
Double-checking medication calculations is a crucial safety measure, but it is not the most urgent step after central line insertion. Medication administration can only occur after confirming proper placement to avoid unintended infusion into incorrect sites or tissues, potentially leading to tissue damage or ineffective treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Initiating the prescribed infusion via the new access is the desired outcome, but it cannot be done before confirming placement. Infusing medications or fluids through a misplaced line can have severe consequences, such as:
Infiltration of medications into surrounding tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and potential necrosis.
Administration of medications into unintended areas, such as the pleural space or the vasculature of the head and neck, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
Delay in the delivery of necessary medications or fluids if the line is not positioned correctly within the central venous system.
Choice C rationale:
Confirming placement with an x-ray is the essential next step to ensure the central line is in the correct position within the central venous system. This verification is crucial for several reasons:
Prevention of complications: Misplaced central lines can cause serious complications, such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and nerve damage.
Accurate medication and fluid delivery: Proper placement ensures that medications and fluids are delivered directly into the central circulation, allowing for rapid and effective distribution throughout the body.
Safe and effective infusion: X-ray confirmation provides visual evidence of the line's position, guiding subsequent infusion practices and reducing the risk of errors.
Early identification of malposition: If the x-ray reveals a misplaced line, adjustments can be made promptly to prevent potential complications and ensure appropriate infusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While adequate hydration is important for overall health and urinary function, it does not directly address the priority nursing diagnosis of urinary incontinence. Increased fluid intake without addressing the underlying incontinence can actually exacerbate the problem by increasing urine output.
It's crucial to assess for signs of urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying, as excessive fluid intake can worsen these conditions.
Individualized fluid intake goals should be established based on the client's overall health status, bladder capacity, and fluid balance.
Choice B rationale:
Satisfaction with incontinence products can improve comfort and quality of life, but it does not necessarily indicate that the underlying issue of incontinence has been resolved.
It's important to evaluate the effectiveness of incontinence products in managing leakage and preventing skin breakdown, but they should not be considered a definitive solution for incontinence.
Explore other interventions to address the root cause of incontinence, such as bladder training, pelvic floor muscle exercises, or medications.
Choice C rationale:
Increased activity and socialization can be positive outcomes of effective incontinence management, but they are not direct measures of the priority nursing diagnosis.
Improved social engagement and activity levels might reflect a reduction in incontinence episodes and increased confidence, but they should not be the sole indicators of success.
Assess for specific changes in incontinence frequency, severity, and impact on daily life to more accurately gauge progress.
Choice D rationale:
Intact, healthy skin in the perineal area is a direct and objective indicator that a priority nursing diagnosis of urinary incontinence has been met.
It demonstrates that the interventions implemented to manage incontinence have been effective in preventing skin breakdown and irritation, which are common complications of incontinence.
This finding aligns with the goal of maintaining skin integrity and preventing infection, which are essential aspects of incontinence care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement belongs to the "Request" portion of the SBAR format. It articulates a specific action the nurse wants the healthcare provider to take.
It's not part of the Background because it doesn't provide any historical or contextual information about the patient's condition.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is the correct choice for the "Background" portion of the SBAR format.
It provides essential background information about the patient's recent medical history, specifically the recent hysterectomy.
This information is crucial for the healthcare provider to understand the context of the current situation and make informed decisions about pain management.
Choice C rationale:
This statement provides additional patient information, but it's not the most relevant for the Background section in this context.
The patient's aversion to NSAIDs might be important for medication choices, but it doesn't directly address the current issue of pain management after a hysterectomy.
Choice D rationale:
This statement provides important information about the patient's allergies, but it's not the most relevant for the Background section in this context.
Allergies are crucial for medication safety, but they don't directly address the current issue of pain management or provide context about the patient's recent surgery.
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