The nurse is caring for a client who just had a subclavian central venous catheter inserted. Which symptom should the nurse recognize as setting a priority for this client's care?
Decreased pedal pulses
Tachycardia
Presence of bibasilar crackles
Headache
The Correct Answer is B
B. Tachycardia (elevated heart rate) can be a sign of various underlying conditions, including pain, anxiety, or cardiovascular compromise. While tachycardia may occur as a response to stress or pain associated with the catheter insertion procedure, it can also indicate complications such as hemorrhage, cardiac dysrhythmias, or pulmonary embolism, which require prompt evaluation and intervention.
A. While this can be concerning, it is not typically directly related to complications of a subclavian central venous catheter insertion unless there is evidence of arterial injury or thrombosis.
C. Bibasilar crackles are abnormal lung sounds that can indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, such as pulmonary edema or pneumonia. However, this may not be directly related to the subclavian central venous catheter insertion itself.
D. Headache is a non-specific symptom that can have numerous causes, including stress, dehydration, or tension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is the recommended position for administering enteral feeding to reduce the risk of aspiration. This semi-upright position helps promote gastric emptying and reduces the likelihood of reflux or regurgitation of the feed into the lungs. It also allows for better tolerance of the feeding and minimizes the risk of complications.
A. Positioning the client on the left side with the knees bent is not typically recommended for enteral feeding. This position may increase the risk of aspiration, especially if the client has impaired swallowing or if there are issues with gastric emptying. It may also not be the most comfortable or practical position for administering enteral feeding.
C. Positioning the client on the right side with a pillow behind the back is not a standard practice for administering enteral feeding. This position may not provide optimal access for administering the feed, and it does not offer the benefits of head elevation to reduce the risk of aspiration.
D. Elevating the head of the bed to only 15 degrees may not provide sufficient upright positioning to reduce the risk of aspiration during enteral feeding. While it is better than lying completely flat, a higher degree of elevation (30-45 degrees) is generally recommended for optimal safety and effectiveness of enteral feeding.
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