A nurse notes that the site of a client’s peripheral intravenous
(IV) catheter is reddened, warm, painful, and slightly edematous near the insertion point of the
catheter. On the basis of this assessment, the nurse fir
...
A nurse notes that the site of a client’s peripheral intravenous
(IV) catheter is reddened, warm, painful, and slightly edematous near the insertion point of the
catheter. On the basis of this assessment, the nurse first:
Removes the IV catheter Correct
Slows the rate of infusion
Notifies the healthcare provider
Checks for loose catheter connections
Rationale: Phlebitis is an inflammatory process in the vein. Phlebitis at an IV site
may be indicated by client discomfort at the site or by redness, warmth, and swelling in the area
of the catheter. The IV catheter should be removed and a new IV line inserted at a different site.
Slowing the rate of infusion and checking for loose catheter connections are not correct
responses. The healthcare provider would be notified if phlebitis were to occur, but this is not the
initial action.
Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination, focusing on the data in the
question. Eliminate slowing the rate of infusion and checking the connection, because they are
comparable or alike in that they indicate continuation of IV therapy. Although the healthcare
provider would be notified of this occurrence, the word “first” should direct you to select the
option of removing the IV catheter. Review the signs of phlebitis and the actions to be taken
when it occurs if you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Intravenous Therapy
Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing:
Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 227). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 1.0 points out
of 1.0 possible points.
2.ID: 8482578714A nurse hangs a 500-mL bag of intravenous (IV) fluid for an
assigned client. One hour later the client complains of chest tightness, is dyspneic and
apprehensive, and has an irregular pulse. The IV bag has 100 mL remaining. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
Removing the IV
Sitting the client up in bed
Shutting off the IV infusion Correct
Slowing the rate of infusion
Rationale: The client’s symptoms are indicative of speed shock, which results
from the rapid infusion of drugs or a bolus infusion. In this case, the nurse would note that 400
mL has infused over 60 minutes. The first action on the part of the nurse is shutting off the IV
infusion. Other actions may follow in rapid sequence: The nurse may elevate the head of the bed
to aid the client’s breathing and then immediately notify the healthcare provider. Slowing the
infusion rate is inappropriate because the client will continue to receive fluid. The IV does not
need to be removed. It may be needed to manage the complication.
Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination, focusing on the data in the
question. Note the question contains the strategic word “first.” Recognizing the signs of speed
shock and recalling the appropriate interventions should also direct you to the option of shutting
off the IV infusion. Review the initial nursing actions for speed shock if you had difficulty with
this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Intravenous Therapy
Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing:
Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 230). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 1.0 points out
of 1.0 possible points.
3.ID: 8482574309A nurse discontinues infusion of a unit of packed red blood
cells (RBCs) because the client is experiencing a transfusion reaction. After discontinuing the
transfusion, which of the following actions does the nurse take next?
Removing the IV catheter
Contacting the healthcare provider Correct
Changing the solution to 5% dextrose in water
Obtaining a culture of the tip of the catheter device removed from the client
Rationale: If the nurse suspects a transfusion reaction, the transfusion is stopped
and normal saline solution infused at a keep-vein-open rate pending further physician
prescriptions. The nurse then contacts the physician. Dextrose in water is not used, because it
may cause clotting or hemolysis of blood cells. Normal saline solution is the only type of IV
fluid that is compatible with blood. The nurse would not remove the IV catheter, because then
there would be no IV access route through which to treat the reaction. There is no reason to
obtain a culture of the catheter tip; this is done when an infection is suspected.
Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination, focusing on the strategic
word “next.” Knowing that the IV should not be removed will assist you in the elimination
process. Recalling that normal saline solution is the only type of IV fluid that is compatible with
blood will also help you answer correctly. To select from the remaining options, note that
infection is not the concern; this will help you eliminate the option of obtaining a culture of the
catheter tip. Review care of the client experiencing a transfusion reaction if you had difficulty
with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Blood administration
Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing:
Critical thinking for collaborative care (6th ed.). Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, p. 919. Awarded
1.0 points out of 1.0 possible points.
4.ID: 8482578727A client with heart failure is being given furosemide (Lasix)
and digoxin (Lanoxin). The client calls the nurse and complains of anorexia and nausea. Which
action should the nurse take first?
Administering an antiemetic
Administering the daily dose of digoxin
Discontinuing the morning dose of furosemide
Checking the result of laboratory testing for potassium on the sample drawn 3 hours ago Correct
Rationale: Anorexia and nausea are symptoms commonly associated with digoxin
toxicity, which is compounded by hypokalemia. Early clinical manifestations of digoxin toxicity
include anorexia and mild nausea, but they are frequently overlooked or not associated with
digoxin toxicity. Hallucinations and any change in pulse rhythm, color vision, or behavior should
be investigated and reported to the healthcare provider. The nurse should first check the results of
the potassium level, which will provide additional when the nurse calls the physician, an
important follow-up action. The nurse should also check the digoxin reading if one is available.
The nurse would not administer an antiemetic without further investigating the client’s problem.
Because digoxin toxicity is suspected, the nurse would withhold the digoxin until the physician
has been consulted. The nurse would not discontinue a medication without a prescription to do
so.
Test-Taking Strategy: Note the strategic word “first” and use the steps of the
nursing process to answer the question. The correct option is the only one that addresses
assessment. Review nursing interventions for suspected digoxin toxicity if you had difficulty
with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Pharmacology
Reference: Hodgson, B., & Kizior, R. (2010). Saunders nursing drug handbook
2010 (p. 347). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible points.
5.ID: 8482576274A physician prescribes the administration of parenteral nutrition
(PN), to be started at a rate of 50 mL/hr by way of infusion pump through an established
subclavian central line. After the first 2 hours of the PN infusion, the client suddenly complains
of difficulty breathing and chest pain. The nurse immediately:
Obtains blood for culture
Clamps the PN infusion line Correct
Obtains a sample for blood glucose testing
Obtains an electrocardiogram (ECG)
Rationale: One complication of a subclavian central line is embolism, caused by
air or thrombus. Sudden onset of chest pain shortly after the initiation of PN may mean that this
complication has developed. The infusion is clamped (the line should not be discontinued,
however), the client turned on the left side with the head down, and the physician notified
immediately. Depending on agency protocol, the rapid response team would also be called.
Blood cultures are not necessary in this situation, because infection is not the concern. Likewise,
there is no useful reason for checking the blood glucose level. An ECG may be obtained, but this
is not the immediate priority. If the client shows signs of an air embolism, the nurse should
examine the catheter to determine whether an open port has allowed air into the circulatory
system.
Test-Taking Strategy: Note the words “after the first 2 hours” and “immediately.”
Focus on the data provided in the question to determine that an embolus has occurred. Eliminate
blood cultures and blood glucose testing, which, respectively, relate to infection and
hyperglycemia, which is not likely to occur during the first 2 hours of PN administration. To
select from the remaining options, focus on the strategic word “immediately”; this will direct you
to the correct option. Review the complications of PN and the associated nursing interventions if
you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition
Reference: Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2010). Clinical nursing skills & techniques (7th
ed., p. 850). St. Louis: Mosby. Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible points.
6.ID: 8482574373A physician prescribes 2000 mL of 5% dextrose and normal
saline 0.45% for infusion over 24 hours. The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. At how many drops per
minute does the nurse set the flow rate? (Round to the nearest whole number).
21CorrectCorrect Responses
21
Rationale: Use the IV flow rate formula:
Test-Taking Strategy: Use the formula for calculating IV flow rates when
answering the question. Remember to convert 24 hours to minutes and to round the answer to the
nearest whole number. Review IV infusion rates if you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Intravenous Therapy
Reference: Potter, P., & Perry, A. (2009). Fundamentals of nursing (7th ed., pp.
1007, 1008). St. Louis: Mosby. Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible points.
7.ID: 8482574351A nurse is assessing a peripheral intravenous (IV) site and notes
blanching, coolness, and edema at the insertion site. What should the nurse do first?
Remove the IV Correct
Apply a warm compress
Check for blood return
Measure the area of infiltration
Rationale: Blanching, coolness, and edema of the IV site are all signs of
infiltration. Because infiltration may result in damage to the surrounding tissue, the nurse must
first remove the IV cannula to prevent any further damage. The nurse should not depend solely
on the blood return for assurance that the cannula is in the vein, because blood return may be
present even if the cannula is only partially in the vein. Compresses may be used, but the
compress (warm or cool) depends on the type of solution infusing and physician preference. The
nurse should measure the area of infiltration after the IV has been removed so that further tissue
damage is prevented.
Test-Taking Strategy: Note the strategic word “first.” Although each of these
options is appropriate, it is necessary to prioritize them. The signs presented in the question point
to infiltration. Infiltration indicates that the IV must be removed. Review the signs of infiltration
and the appropriate initial interventions if you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Intravenous Therapy
Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing:
Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 226). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 1.0 points out
of 1.0 possible points.
8.ID: 8482576217A home care nurse has been assigned a client who has been
discharged home with a prescription for parenteral nutrition (PN). Which of the following
parameters does the nurse plan to check at each visit as a means of identifying complications of
the PN therapy? Select all that apply.
Weight Correct
Glucose test Correct
Temperature Correct
Peripheral pulses
Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Rationale: When a client is receiving PN therapy, the nurse monitors the client’s
weight to determine the effectiveness of the therapy. The nurse should weigh the client at each
visit to make sure that the client has not gained or lost an excessive amount of weight. Because
the formula contains a large amount of dextrose, the healthcare provider should check the client’s
glucose level frequently. The nurse caring for a client receiving PN at home should also monitor
the temperature to detect infection, which is a potential complication of this therapy. An infection
in the intravenous line could result in sepsis, because the catheter is in a blood vessel. The
peripheral pulses and hemoglobin and hematocrit readings may provide data but are unrelated to
complications associated with PN therapy.
Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the subject, complications associated with PN
therapy. Think about the procedures involved with the administration of PN and the associated
complications to answer correctly. Review the priority assessments in the client receiving PN if
you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Planning
Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition
References: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing:
Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 1401). St. Louis: Saunders.
Kee, J., Hayes, E., & McCuistion, L. (2009). Pharmacology: A nursing process
approach (6th ed., p. 261). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 3.0 points out of 3.0 possible points.
9.ID: 8482574315A nurse is caring for a group of adult clients on an acute care
nursing unit. Which of the following clients does the nurse recognize as the least likely candidate
for parenteral nutrition (PN)?
61-year-old client with pancreatitis
52-year-old client with severe sepsis
45-year-old client who has undergone repair of a hiatal hernia Correct
24-year-old client with a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis
Rationale: PN is indicated in the client whose gastrointestinal tract is not
functional or who cannot tolerate an enteral diet for extended periods. The client with sepsis is
very ill and may require PN. Other candidates include clients who have undergone extensive
surgery, sustained multiple fractures, or have advanced cancer or AIDS. The client who has
undergone hiatal hernia repair is not a candidate, because this client would resume a normal diet
within a relatively short period after the hernia repair.
Test-Taking Strategy: Note that the question contains the strategic words “least
likely,” telling you that the correct option is the client who does not require this type of
nutritional support. Focus on the needs of the clients identified in the options and use your
knowledge of the purposes of PN to direct you to the correct option. Review the purposes and
uses for PN if you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Analysis
Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition
Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing:
Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 1400). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 1.0 points
out of 1.0 possible points.
10.ID: 8482578765A client with a peripheral intravenous (IV) line in place has a
new prescription for infusion of parenteral nutrition (PN), a solution containing 25% glucose.
Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse?
Hanging the IV solution as prescribed
Questioning the healthcare provider about the prescription Correct
Hanging the IV solution but setting the infusion at just half the prescribed rate
Diluting the solution with sterile water to half-strength
Rationale: PN solutions containing as much as 10% glucose can be infused
through peripheral vessels. A PN solution containing 25% glucose is hypertonic. The nurse
should question the prescription in the absence of a central venous catheter or a peripherally
inserted central catheter. Diluting the solution with sterile water to half-strength and hanging the
IV solution as prescribed are both inappropriate. The nurse must not alter a prescribed solution
independently.
Test-Taking Strategy: Note the words “peripheral intravenous (IV) line” and “25%
glucose.” Recalling that PN solutions containing as much as 10% glucose can be infused through
peripheral vessels will direct you to the correct option. Review base solutions of PN and their
routes of administration if you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition
References: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing:
Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 1400). St. Louis: Saunders.
Kee, J., Hayes, E., & McCuistion, L. (2009). Pharmacology: A nursing process
approach (6th ed., p. 260). St. Louis: Saunders. Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible points.
11.ID: 8482578706The first bag of parenteral nutrition (PN) solution has arrived
on the clinical unit for a client beginning this nutritional therapy. The solution is to be infused by
way of a central line. Which of the following essential pieces of equipment does the nurse obtain
before hanging the solution?
Pulse oximeter
Blood glucose meter
Electronic infusion device Correct
Noninvasive blood pressure monitor
Rationale: The nurse obtains an electronic infusion device before hanging a PN
solution. Because of the high glucose load, it is necessary to use an infusion device to ensure that
the solution does not infuse too rapidly or fall too far behind. Because the client’s blood glucose
is checked every 6 to 8 hours during administration of PN, a blood glucose meter will also be
needed, but it is not essential before the solution is hung. A noninvasive blood pressure cuff is
unnecessary for this procedure. Although oxygen saturation is important, in this situation, it is
not the most important equipment to use at this time.
Test-Taking Strategy: Note that the question contains the words “essential” and
“before hanging.” This tells you that the correct option identifies the item that is needed to start
the infusion. Use your knowledge of the procedures for PN administration to eliminate each of
the incorrect options. Review these procedures if you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition
References: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing:
Patient-centered collaborative care (6th ed., p. 1401). St. Louis: Saunders.
Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2010). Clinical nursing skills & techniques (7th ed., p.
852). St. Louis: Mosby. Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible points.
12.ID: 8482574389A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving parenteral
nutrition (PN). Which of the following signs and symptoms causes the nurse to suspect that the
client is experiencing hyperglycemia as a complication?
Pallor, weak pulse, and anuria
Nausea, vomiting, and oliguria
Nausea, thirst, and increased urine output Correct
Sweating, chills, and decreased urine output
Rationale: The high glucose concentration in PN puts the client at risk for
hyperglycemia. Signs of hyperglycemia include polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, blurred vision,
nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. The nurse checks the blood glucose level immediately
if these symptoms develop. The signs and symptoms identified in the other options are unrelated
to hyperglycemia.
Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination and recall the signs of
hyperglycemia. Remembering the “three P’s” (polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia) will direct
you to the correct option. Also note that this option is the only one that includes increased urine
output. Review the signs of hyperglycemia if you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Assessment
Content Area: Parenteral Nutrition
References: Kee, J., Hayes, E., & McCuistion, L. (2009). Pharmacology: A
nursing process approach (6th ed., pp. 260, 261). St. Louis: Saunders.
Lehne, R. (2010). Pharmacology for nursing care (7th ed., p. 870). St. Louis:
Saunders. Awarded 1.0 points out of 1.0 possible points.
13.ID: 8482576227At 1600 the nurse checks a client’s parenteral nutrition (PN)
infusion bag and finds 1100 mL remaining in the 3000-mL bag. The solution is running at a rate
of 100 mL/hr. The bag was hung the previous day at 1800. The nurse plans to change the
infusion bag and tubing this evening at:
1700
1800 Correct
2000
2100
Rationale: The PN solution should be changed every 24 hours as a means of
helping prevent infection. Infection is also prevented with the use of aseptic technique during
bag and tubing changes. Most agencies recommend that tubing be changed every 24 hours along
with the PN infusion bag. Specific agency policies should always be followed. The nurse should
also use a filter when administering PN in accordance with hospital protocol. Therefore the
remaining options are incorrect.
Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination. Recalling that the infusion
bag should be changed every 24 hours will direct you to the correct option. Review the principles
of PN administration if you had difficulty with this question.
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