The nurse is caring for a client receiving an intravenous medication that is a vesicant. The IV flow has stopped and there is pain, burning and swelling at the IV site. What action should the nurse take first?
Elevate the extremity on a pillow
Immediately remove the catheter
Keep the catheter in place
Place a cool compress on the area
The Correct Answer is B
B. When a client experiences symptoms of extravasation, such as pain, burning, and swelling, especially with a vesicant medication, the priority is to stop the infusion and remove the catheter immediately to prevent further tissue damage. Removing the catheter promptly helps minimize the amount of medication that may have leaked into the surrounding tissues.
A. Elevating the extremity on a pillow may help reduce swelling and discomfort in some cases, but it is not the first action the nurse should take when a vesicant medication has caused pain, burning, and swelling at the IV site.
C. Keeping the catheter in place is not advisable when extravasation has occurred, especially with a vesicant medication. Continuing the infusion could lead to further tissue damage and exacerbate the client's symptoms. Removing the catheter is necessary to prevent additional medication from entering the surrounding tissues.
D. While applying a cool compress may provide temporary relief from discomfort, it is not the first action the nurse should take when managing extravasation caused by a vesicant medication. The priority is to stop the infusion, remove the catheter, and assess the extent of tissue damage. Cool compresses may be used after the catheter removal to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. While considering the opinions of the deceased when making decisions may reflect a continued emotional connection to the deceased partner, it does not necessarily indicate unresolved grief. Many individuals maintain a sense of connection to deceased loved ones and may consider their perspectives or values when making decisions, even after a significant amount of time has passed since the loss. This behavior can be a way of honoring the memory of the deceased and integrating their influence into decision-making processes.
A. Attending grief support group meetings indicates that the client is actively seeking support and processing their grief in a supportive environment. This behavior is consistent with healthy grieving and can contribute to the process of grief resolution by providing opportunities for validation, sharing experiences, and receiving support from others who have experienced similar losses.
B. Being future-oriented and able to discuss the details of everyday life suggests that the client is able to focus on present and future aspects of life, rather than being consumed by grief. This can be a positive sign of adaptation and adjustment to life without the deceased partner. It indicates that the client is able to engage in activities of daily living and plan for the future, which are important aspects of grief resolution.
C. Grief is a complex and individual process that often involves periods of intense emotions, including waves of grief triggered by reminders of the deceased loved one. Experiencing occasional waves of grief triggered by pictures or events is a common experience in the grieving process and does not necessarily indicate unresolved grief. Instead, it reflects the ongoing nature of grief and the client's emotional connection to the deceased.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This is a critical initial step before administering enteral feedings. Aspirating stomach contents helps confirm the placement of the nasogastric tube in the stomach rather than the respiratory tract. Checking the pH of the aspirate can further confirm gastric placement, as gastric fluid typically has an acidic pH (usually less than 5). This step ensures that the feeding will be delivered to the correct location, minimizing the risk of aspiration.
A. While it's important for the formula to be at an appropriate temperature for administration to prevent discomfort or complications such as cramping, this is not typically the first action to take. It can be done concurrently with other preparatory steps.
B. Proper labeling of the feeding container is essential for patient safety and adherence to institutional policies. However, this is not the first action to be completed. It's usually done after preparing the feeding and confirming the tube placement.
D. Assessing residual volume involves checking for any residual contents in the stomach from previous feedings. This step helps determine how much of the previous feeding remains in the stomach and whether it's safe to administer the next feeding. However, it typically follows confirming tube placement, as it's essential to know the tube is in the correct position before assessing residual volume.
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