The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who will be starting exenatide.
What information should be included in the discharge instructions?

Choice A rationale

Prompting the nurse to apply povidone to the site is not the correct action in this scenario. Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic used for skin disinfection before and after surgery. It is not typically used in the process of irrigating an intravenous catheter.

Choice B rationale

Directing the nurse to attach the luer-lock tip to the irrigation port is the correct action. A luer-lock syringe is commonly used in medical procedures, including the irrigation of an intravenous catheter. The luer-lock tip provides a secure connection to prevent leaks and ensure that the irrigation solution is delivered directly to the catheter.

Choice C rationale

Sending an unlicensed assistive personnel to gather equipment is not the most appropriate action in this scenario. The new nurse has already gathered the necessary equipment for the procedure.

Choice D rationale

Instructing the nurse to use water with 5% dextrose (D5W) is not the correct action. D5W is a type of intravenous fluid used to correct dehydration and provide calories to the patient. It is not typically used for irrigating an intravenous catheter.

Choice A rationale

Nitroglycerin is a medication that is commonly used to treat chest pain or angina. However, it is contraindicated in patients who have taken sildenafil (Viagra) within the last 24 hours due to the risk of severe hypotension, or low blood pressure. Sildenafil is a type of medication known as a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of blood vessels. Nitroglycerin also works by relaxing blood vessels, so the combination of these two medications can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Choice B rationale

Aspirin is not typically withheld in patients experiencing chest pain. It is often given to patients who are suspected of having a heart attack because it works by preventing blood clots from forming and blocking the blood vessels of the heart.

Choice C rationale

Morphine is often administered to patients experiencing severe chest pain to help relieve the pain and reduce the workload of the heart. It is not typically withheld unless the patient has a known allergy or other contraindication.

Choice D rationale

Heparin is a blood thinner that is often administered to patients who are suspected of having a heart attack to prevent further blood clots from forming. It is not typically withheld unless the patient has a known allergy, other contraindication, or is at high risk of bleeding.