After the nurse obtains a blood sample from a client's right radial arterial client reports a sudden onset of pain at the arterial line insertion site. The nurse recognizes which physiological effect may be inducing the sudden pain?
Elevation in blood pressure.
Vasospasm at insertion site.
Clot in the arterial catheter.
Air lock in the transducer.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Elevation in blood pressure:
While elevation in blood pressure could potentially cause discomfort at the arterial line insertion site, it is not the most likely physiological effect to induce sudden pain in this scenario. Blood pressure elevation would typically cause generalized symptoms rather than localized pain at the insertion site.
B) Vasospasm at insertion site:
Correct. Vasospasm refers to the sudden constriction of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow. It can occur in response to arterial puncture or manipulation during arterial line insertion, resulting in sudden pain at the insertion site.
C) Clot in the arterial catheter:
A clot in the arterial catheter could potentially cause obstruction and affect blood flow, but it is less likely to induce sudden pain at the insertion site unless there is associated ischemia or tissue damage.
D) Air lock in the transducer:
An air lock in the transducer could disrupt pressure monitoring but is not typically associated with sudden pain at the insertion site. It may lead to inaccurate pressure readings rather than localized pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Myocardial infarction:
Myocardial infarction (MI) typically presents with severe and prolonged chest pain or discomfort that is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. MI is characterized by myocardial necrosis due to prolonged ischemia, often resulting from the occlusion of a coronary artery by a thrombus or plaque rupture. While chest pressure and breathlessness are symptoms commonly associated with MI, the transient nature of the symptoms described by the client, as well as their relief after rest, is more indicative of stable angina rather than MI.
B. Unstable angina:
Unstable angina is characterized by new-onset angina, increasing frequency, or worsening intensity of angina symptoms. It is considered a medical emergency as it may precede a myocardial infarction. However, unstable angina typically presents with symptoms at rest or with minimal exertion and is not usually relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The client's symptoms, which are relieved by rest, are more consistent with stable angina.
C. Stable angina:
Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pain or discomfort that occurs with exertion or stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The symptoms described by the client, including chest pressure and breathlessness that improve with rest, are consistent with stable angina. Stable angina occurs due to transient myocardial ischemia caused by an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, often related to coronary artery disease.
D. Prinzmetal angina:
Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs at rest, often in the early morning hours, and is typically caused by coronary artery spasm rather than fixed atherosclerotic lesions. While Prinzmetal angina can present with transient symptoms similar to those described by the client, it is less common than stable angina and is often associated with transient ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG), which is not mentioned in the scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Fatigue and weakness:
Correct. The client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are below the reference ranges, indicating mild anemia. Anemia, characterized by low red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels, can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, as the body's oxygen-carrying capacity is reduced. Fatigue and weakness are common manifestations of anemia and are indicative of tissue hypoxia due to decreased oxygen delivery.
B) Cardiac dysrhythmias:
While severe anemia can lead to cardiac complications, such as dysrhythmias, the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are only slightly below the reference ranges, indicating mild anemia. Cardiac dysrhythmias are more commonly associated with severe anemia or acute changes in hemoglobin levels rather than the mild anemia indicated in this scenario.
C) Fever and infection:
Anemia is not typically associated with fever and infection. While anemia may occur secondary to chronic inflammatory conditions or certain infections, the client's symptoms of fatigue and weakness are more directly related to the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to mild anemia.
D) Decreased clotting time:
Anemia is not directly associated with changes in clotting time. While severe anemia can lead to alterations in platelet function and clotting factors, the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are only slightly below the reference ranges, indicating mild anemia. Decreased clotting time is not a typical manifestation of mild anemia.
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