Which of the following complications can occur if a clotted cannula is flushed too aggressively?
The patient can experience speed shock
A clot can be forced into the circulation causing serious complications.
A painful arterial spasm can occur
The catheter can become dislodged and fall out.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The patient can experience speed shock: Speed shock is a rapid infusion of a substance (like a medication or fluid) into the bloodstream, usually occurring when the infusion rate is too fast. This is not typically caused by flushing a clotted cannula.
B. A clot can be forced into the circulation causing serious complications: Flushing a clotted cannula too aggressively can dislodge a clot, causing it to travel into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications like embolism or stroke, especially if the clot is large or travels to a vital organ.
C. A painful arterial spasm can occur: While arterial spasms can occur, they are more often related to arterial catheterization or manipulation rather than flushing a venous cannula.
D. The catheter can become dislodged and fall out: While this could potentially happen, it is less of a concern compared to the risk of pushing a clot into circulation, which is a more immediate danger.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Peripheral pulses +1: Weak peripheral pulses indicate continued hypovolemia or dehydration. Effectiveness would be reflected in stronger pulses.
B. Urine output 200 mL/4 hr: Adequate urine output (≥30 mL/hr) indicates improved kidney perfusion and hydration status, suggesting effective treatment.
C. Urine specific gravity 1.04: This value is elevated, indicating continued dehydration; effective hydration would reduce this value to the normal range of 1.005-1.030.
D. Heart rate 104/min: Tachycardia is a compensatory response to dehydration. Improvement would manifest as a normalized heart rate (60-100 bpm).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Urine output 20 mL/hr: A urine output of 20 mL/hr is on the low side but can still be expected in dehydration, as the body attempts to conserve water. Normal urine output is 30 mL/hr or more, so this could still be a sign of dehydration.
B. Sodium 142 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L): This sodium level is within the normal range. Dehydration may cause sodium to be elevated if water loss is more significant than sodium loss, but a normal value does not indicate dehydration.
C. Cool skin: Cool skin is a typical finding in dehydration, particularly in severe cases, due to reduced peripheral circulation and vasoconstriction as the body tries to maintain core temperature and blood pressure.
D. Bradycardia: Dehydration usually causes tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism to maintain blood pressure and perfusion, not bradycardia.
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