A student asks the nurse why a peripherally inserted central catheter is needed for a patient receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) with 25% dextrose. Which response by the nurse is accurate?
The required blood glucose monitoring is based on samples obtained from a central line.
There is a decreased risk for infection when 25% dextrose is infused through a central line.
The hypertonic solution will be more rapidly diluted when given through a central line.
The prescribed infusion can be given more rapidly when the patient has a central line.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: While blood glucose monitoring is essential for patients receiving TPN, it is not specifically necessary to obtain samples from a central line. Blood glucose levels can be monitored through peripheral blood samples.
Choice B reason: There is actually an increased risk of infection with central lines compared to peripheral lines due to the invasive nature of central line placement and its location. Proper aseptic technique is critical to minimize this risk.
Choice C reason: The hypertonic solution will be more rapidly diluted when given through a central line. This is a critical point because the central veins have a higher blood flow and larger volume, which helps to quickly dilute the hypertonic TPN solution. This reduces the risk of phlebitis and damage to the smaller peripheral veins, making central lines more suitable for infusing highly concentrated solutions like 25% dextrose.
Choice D reason: While a central line can allow for the rapid administration of infusions, this is not the primary reason for its use with TPN. The key factor is the dilution of the hypertonic solution, as central lines handle high osmolarity solutions better than peripheral veins.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D,A,B,C
Explanation
Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is the first intervention the nurse should perform. This position helps lower the patient's blood pressure by promoting venous pooling in the lower extremities and reducing the return of blood to the heart. It also aids in better breathing and overall comfort.
Choice A reason: Checking the blood pressure is crucial in this situation to confirm if the patient is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia, which is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This step helps in assessing the severity of the condition and guiding subsequent interventions.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a bladder scan is important because a full bladder is a common trigger of autonomic dysreflexia. By identifying and addressing the cause of the distension, the nurse can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.
Choice C reason: Notifying the doctor is a critical step, as autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention. The healthcare provider can give additional orders and may administer medication to control the patient's blood pressure and relieve symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Checking the patient's temperature is important for assessing the severity of the pneumonia and monitoring for fever, but it is not the priority action before administering the first dose of vancomycin.
Choice B reason: Obtaining sputum cultures is the priority action because it allows for the identification of the causative organism and determination of its antibiotic susceptibility. This helps ensure that the prescribed antibiotic is appropriate for the patient's infection. Cultures should be obtained before starting antibiotic therapy to avoid interference with culture results.
Choice C reason: Checking the patient's blood pressure is important for overall patient assessment and monitoring, especially considering potential side effects of vancomycin. However, it is not the primary action needed before the first dose of the antibiotic.
Choice D reason: Drawing a blood specimen to evaluate the white blood cell count is useful for assessing the severity of the infection and the patient's immune response. However, this can be done after obtaining the sputum cultures and is not the immediate priority before administering the antibiotic.
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