The nurse is collecting a blood sample for a mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2) level from the distal lumen of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter of a client in cardiogenic shock. Which action should the nurse implement?
Expel the excess air and heparin from the syringe.
Place sample in arterial blood gas syringe.
Obtain a minimum of 1 mL of blood.
Aspirate the blood sample slowly.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Expel the excess air and heparin from the syringe. While removing excess air prevents gas exchange alterations, this is not the priority when obtaining an SVO₂ sample. Excess heparin could dilute the sample, but proper blood volume collection is the first concern.
B. Place sample in arterial blood gas syringe. SVO₂ measures venous oxygen saturation, which is different from arterial blood gases (ABGs). Using an ABG syringe is incorrect because it is heparinized for arterial sampling, and arterial blood does not reflect mixed venous oxygenation.
C. Obtain a minimum of 1 mL of blood. SVO₂ is measured from the distal lumen of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter to assess oxygen delivery and consumption. At least 1 mL of blood is required for an accurate reading, ensuring sufficient sample volume for laboratory analysis.
D. Aspirate the blood sample slowly. While slow aspiration can help prevent hemolysis, it is not the primary concern when collecting an SVO₂ sample. The priority is obtaining a sufficient volume (≥1 mL) for an accurate measurement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer a PRN dose of benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression and prolong delirium, especially in clients recovering from mechanical ventilation and sedation. The client’s confusion is likely transient post-extubation delirium, which often resolves with reorientation and safety measures rather than sedation.
B. Increase the oxygen concentration to 60%.
The client is maintaining an oxygen saturation of 98% on 40% FiO₂, indicating adequate oxygenation. Increasing the oxygen concentration to 60% is unnecessary and may increase the risk of oxygen toxicity.
C. Apply bilateral wrist restraints.
The client is confused and attempting to get out of bed, increasing the risk of falls and accidental self-injury. Restraints should be used as a last resort after ensuring non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., reorientation, sitter, bed alarms) are ineffective or unavailable. If applied, restraints must be monitored closely and removed as soon as possible.
D. Notify the rapid response team.
The client’s vital signs are stable, and oxygenation is adequate. Although confusion is concerning, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening emergency requiring a rapid response team. Instead, the nurse should implement safety interventions and continue close monitoring.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Prepare to give phenytoin IV as prescribed. Phenytoin is used for seizure prophylaxis in clients with moderate to severe head injuries (GCS ≤ 8–10). A GCS score of 14 indicates mild head injury, and prophylactic anticonvulsants may not be necessary unless ordered for specific risk factors.
B. Perform a substernal rub to evoke a response to pain. A substernal rub (painful stimulus) is used to assess response in unconscious or unresponsive clients (GCS ≤ 8). With a GCS of 14, the client is alert or nearly fully conscious, making a painful stimulus unnecessary and inappropriate.
C. Promptly notify the healthcare provider (HCP) of the GCS score. A GCS of 14 is not a critical or emergency finding, as it indicates mild neurological impairment. While the HCP should be updated on significant changes, routine monitoring is sufficient unless deterioration occurs.
D. Continue monitoring the client's GCS score every 2 hours. Frequent neurological assessments are crucial in head injury management to detect worsening conditions like increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) or cerebral edema. Monitoring the GCS every 2 hours ensures timely intervention if the client’s condition changes.
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