The nurse is assessing a patient with a urinary catheter.
Which of the following would be a priority nursing intervention?
Removing the catheter as soon as possible to prevent infection.
Ensuring that the catheter is properly secured to prevent accidental dislodgement.
Encouraging the patient to drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
Administering antibiotics to prevent infection.
Administering antibiotics to prevent infection.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because urinary catheters are a common source of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which can lead to complications such as pyelonephritis, sepsis, and renal failure. Therefore, the nurse should remove the catheter as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection and promote normal urinary function.
Choice B is wrong because ensuring that the catheter is properly secured to prevent accidental dislodgement is not a priority intervention for a patient with a urinary catheter.
While this is an important nursing action to prevent trauma and bleeding, it does not address the main complication of catheterization, which is infection.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to drink fluids to prevent dehydration is not a priority intervention for a patient with a urinary catheter.
While this is a good nursing practice to maintain hydration and renal perfusion, it does not affect the risk of infection associated with catheterization.
Choice D is wrong because administering antibiotics to prevent infection is not a priority intervention for a patient with a urinary catheter.
While this may be indicated for some patients who have signs and symptoms of UTI or who are at high risk of infection, it is not a routine measure for all patients with catheters and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because intravenous potassium supplementation is indicated for patients with profound hypokalemia (plasma K+ <2.5 mmol/L) or cardiac arrhythmia. The rate of infusion should not exceed 10 mmol/hour to prevent complications such as hyperkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and phlebitis.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring urine output every 8 hours is not sufficient to prevent complications from intravenous potassium replacement therapy.
Urine output should be monitored more frequently (at least every 4 hours) to assess renal function and fluid balance.
Choice B is wrong because administering potassium via a bolus injection is dangerous and can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Potassium should never be given by intravenous push or intramuscular injection.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging the client to eat potassium-rich foods is not appropriate for patients receiving intravenous potassium replacement therapy.
Oral potassium supplementation is preferred for patients with mild to moderate hypokalemia (plasma K+ 2.5-3.5 mmol/L) who can eat and absorb oral potassium.
Potassium-rich foods include potatoes, legumes, juices, seafood, leafy greens, dairy, tomatoes and bananas.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Nasogastric suction removes gastric secretions that contain potassium, leading to a loss of potassium from the body. This can cause hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood.
Choice A is wrong because Addison’s disease causes hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood.
Choice B is wrong because tissue damage can release potassium from the cells into the blood, causing hyperkalemia.
Choice C is wrong because uric acid level is not related to potassium level.
Uric acid is a waste product of purine metabolism that can cause gout or kidney stones if elevated.
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