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 ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. A healthy stoma should appear moist and shiny, indicating adequate blood supply and hydration of the tissue. Dryness or dullness of the stoma may indicate poor blood flow or dehydration and should be further evaluated.
B. A healthy stoma typically appears deep pink to red in color, indicating good tissue perfusion. Pallor or cyanosis of the stoma may indicate inadequate blood supply and should be assessed promptly.
C. The skin around the stoma, known as the peristomal skin, should be intact, without signs of irritation, redness, or tenderness. Irritation or breakdown of the peristomal skin can occur due to leakage of stool or irritation from ostomy appliances and should be addressed promptly to prevent skin complications.
D. A flat abdomen suggests normal abdominal contour without distention or bulging. Distention or bulging of the abdomen may indicate underlying issues such as bowel obstruction, gas accumulation, or fluid retention and should be assessed further.
E. Bowel sounds are indicative of gastrointestinal motility and function. Normal bowel sounds are present and audible in healthy individuals and are characterized by 8 to 10 clicks or gurgles per minute. Absence or abnormal bowel sounds may indicate bowel obstruction, ileus, or other gastrointestinal disorders and should be assessed further.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This approach involves providing medication education to the client as each medication is administered. While this ensures that the client receives information about each medication in a timely manner, it may not allow for comprehensive education or adequate time for the client to ask questions or clarify information. Additionally, the client may feel overwhelmed by receiving information about multiple medications at once.
B. Incorporating medication education into another activity, such as assisting the client with his bath, can be an efficient use of time. However, it may not provide an optimal environment for focused learning and discussion. The client may be distracted or uncomfortable during the bath, limiting their ability to absorb and retain information effectively.
C. This approach involves providing medication education to the client after discharge via a follow-up phone call. While this allows for more time and flexibility in providing education, it may not address the client's immediate needs or questions prior to discharge. Additionally, the client may have already started taking the medications by the time of the follow-up call, potentially leading to missed opportunities for clarification or adjustment of the medication regimen.
D. Providing written instructions for the client to read at home is an efficient way to ensure that the client has access to information about their medications. This allows the client to review the information at their own pace and refer back to it as needed. However, written instructions alone may not be sufficient for addressing all aspects of medication education, such as potential side effects, drug interactions, or administration techniques.
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