Elsiver NCLEX Critical Care questions with correct answers 100%

Elsiver NCLEX Critical Care questions with correct answers 100%A client is being weaned from parenteral nutrition (PN) and is expected to begin taking solid food today. The ongoing solution rate has been 100 mL/hour. The nurse anticipates that which prescription regarding the PN solution will accompany the diet prescription? 1. Discontinue the PN. 2. Decrease PN rate to 50 mL/hour. 3. Start 0.9% normal saline at 25 mL/hour. 4. Continue current infusion rate prescriptions for PN. Decrease PN rate to 50 mL/hour. When a client begins eating a regular diet after a period of receiving PN, the PN is decreased gradually. PN that is discontinued abruptly can cause hypoglycemia. Clients often have anorexia after being without food for some time, and the digestive tract also is not used to producing the digestive enzymes that will be needed. Gradually decreasing the infusion rate allows the client to remain adequately nourished during the transition to a normal diet and prevents the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Even before clients are started on a solid diet, they are given clear liquids followed by full liquids to further ease the transition. A solution of normal saline does not provide the glucose needed during the transition of discontinuing the PN and could cause the client to experience hypoglycemia. The nurse is preparing to change the parenteral nutrition (PN) solution bag and tubing. The client's central venous line is located in the right subclavian vein. The nurse asks the client to take which essential action during the tubing change? 1. Breathe normally. 2. Turn the head to the right. 3. Exhale slowly and evenly. 4. Take a deep breath, hold it, and bear down. Take a deep breath, hold it, and bear down. The client should be asked to perform the Valsalva maneuver during tubing changes. This helps avoid air embolism during tubing changes. The nurse asks the client to take a deep breath, hold it, and bear down. If the intravenous line is on the right, the client turns his or her head to the left. This position increases intrathoracic pressure. Breathing normally and exhaling slowly and evenly are inappropriate and could enhance the potential for an air embolism during the tubing change. A client with parenteral nutrition (PN) infusing has disconnected the tubing from the central line catheter. The nurse assesses the client and suspects an air embolism. The nurse should immediately place the client in which position? 1. On the left side, with the head lower than the feet 2. On the left side, with the head higher than the feet 3. On the right side, with the head lower than the feet 4. On the right side, with the head higher than the feet On the left side, with the head lower than the feet Air embolism occurs when air enters the catheter system, such as when the system is opened for intravenous (IV) tubing changes or when the IV tubing disconnects. Air embolism is a critical situation; if it is suspected, the client should be placed in a left side-lying position. The head should be lower than the feet. This position is used to minimize the effect of the air traveling as a bolus to the lungs by trapping it in the right side of the heart. The positions in the remaining options are inappropriate if an air embolism is suspected. Which nursing action is essential prior to initiating a new prescription for 500 mL of fat emulsion (lipids) to infuse at 50 mL/hour? 1. Ensure that the client does not have diabetes. 2. Determine whether the client has an allergy to eggs. 3. Add regular insulin to the fat emulsion, using aseptic technique. 4. Contact the health care provider (HCP) to have a central line inserted for fat emulsion infusion. Determine whether the client has an allergy to eggs. The client beginning infusions of fat emulsions must be first assessed for known allergies to eggs to prevent anaphylaxis. Egg yolk is a component of the solution and provides emulsification. The remaining options are unnecessary and are not related specifically to the administration of fat emulsion. The nurse monitors the client receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) for complications of the therapy and should assess the client for which manifestations of hyperglycemia? 1. Fever, weak pulse, and thirst 2. Nausea, vomiting, and oliguria 3. Sweating, chills, and abdominal pain 4. Weakness, thirst, and increased urine output Weakness, thirst, and increased urine output The high glucose concentration in PN places the client at risk for hyperglycemia. Signs of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, fatigue, restlessness, confusion, weakness, Kussmaul respirations, diuresis, and coma when hyperglycemia is severe. If the client has these symptoms, the blood glucose level should be checked immediately. The remaining options do not identify signs specific to hyperglycemia. The nurse is changing the central line dressing of a client receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) and notes that the catheter insertion site appears reddened. The nurse should next assess which item? 1. Client's temperature 2. Expiration date on the bag 3. Time of last dressing change 4. Tightness of tubing connections Client's temperature Redness at the catheter insertion site is a possible indication of infection. The nurse would next assess for other signs of infection. Of the options given, the temperature is the next item to assess. The tightness of tubing connections should be assessed each time the PN is checked; loose connections would result in leakage, not skin redness. The expiration date on the bag is a viable option, but this also should be checked at the time the solution is hung and with each shift change. The time of the last dressing change should be checked with each shift change. The nurse is preparing to hang fat emulsion (lipids) and notes that fat globules are visible at the top of the solution. The nurse should take which action? 1. Roll the bottle of solution gently. 2. Obtain a different bottle of solution. 3. Shake the bottle of solution vigorously. 4. Run the bottle of solution under warm water. Obtain a different bottle of solution. Fat emulsion (lipids) is a white, opaque solution administered intravenously during parenteral nutrition therapy to prevent fatty acid deficiency. The nurse should examine the bottle of fat emulsion for separation of emulsion into layers of fat globules or for the accumulation of froth. The nurse should not hang a fat emulsion if any of these are observed and should return the solution to the pharmacy. Therefore, the remaining options are inappropriate actions. A client receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) suddenly develops a fever. The nurse notifies the health care provider (HCP), and the HCP initially prescribes that the solution and tubing be changed. What should the nurse do with the discontinued materials? 1. Discard them in the unit trash. 2. Return them to the hospital pharmacy. 3. Save them for return to the manufacturer. 4. Prepare to send them to the laboratory for culture. Prepare to send them to the laboratory for culture. When the client who is receiving PN develops a fever, a catheter-related infection should be suspected. The solution and tubing should be changed, and the discontinued materials should be cultured for infectious organisms per HCP prescription. The other options are incorrect. Because culture for infectious organisms is necessary, the discontinued materials are not discarded or returned to the pharmacy or manufacturer. A client has been discharged to home on parenteral nutrition (PN). With each visit, the home care nurse should assess which parameter most closely in monitoring this therapy? 1. Pulse and weight 2. Temperature and weight 3. Pulse and blood pressure 4. Temperature and blood pressure Temperature and weight The client receiving PN at home should have her or his temperature monitored as a means of detecting infection, which is a potential complication of this therapy. An infection also could result in sepsis because the catheter is in a blood vessel. The client's weight is monitored as a measure of the effectiveness of this nutritional therapy and to detect hypervolemia. The pulse and blood pressure are important parameters to assess, but they do not relate specifically to the effects of PN. The nurse, caring for a group of adult clients on an acute care medical-surgical nursing unit, determines that which clients would be the most likely candidates for parenteral nutrition (PN)? Select all that apply. 1. A client with extensive burns 2. A client with cancer who is septic 3. A client who has had an open cholecystectomy 4. A client with severe exacerbation of Crohn's disease 5. A client with persistent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy 1. A client with extensive burns 2. A client with cancer who is septic 4. A client with severe exacerbation of Crohn's disease 5. A client with persistent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy PN is indicated in clients whose gastrointestinal tracts are not functional or must be rested, cannot take in a diet enterally for extended periods, or have increased metabolic need. Examples of these conditions include those clients with burns, exacerbation of Crohn's disease, and persistent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. Other clients would be those who have had extensive surgery, have multiple fractures, are septic, or have advanced cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The client with the open cholecystectomy is not a candidate because this client would resume a regular diet within a few days following surgery. The nurse is preparing to hang the first bag of parenteral nutrition (PN) solution via the central line of an assigned client. The nurse should obtain which most essential piece of equipment before hanging the solution? 1. Urine test strips 2. Blood glucose meter 3. Electronic infusion pump 4. Noninvasive blood pressure monitor Electronic infusion pump The nurse obtains an electronic infusion pump before hanging a PN solution. Because of the high glucose content, use of an infusion pump is necessary to ensure that the solution does not infuse too rapidly or fall behind. Because the client's blood glucose level is monitored every 4 to 6 hours during administration of PN, a blood glucose meter also will be needed, but this is not the most essential item needed before hanging the solution because it is not directly related to administering the PN. Urine test strips (to measure glucose) rarely are used because of the advent of blood glucose monitoring. Although the blood pressure will be monitored, a noninvasive blood pressure monitor is not the most essential piece of equipment needed for this procedure. The nurse is making initial rounds at the beginning of the shift and notes that the parenteral nutrition (PN) bag of an assigned client is empty. Which solution should the nurse hang until another PN solution is mixed and delivered to the nursing unit? 1. 5% dextrose in water 2. 10% dextrose in water 3. 5% dextrose in Ringer's lactate 4. 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride 10% dextrose in water The client is at risk for hypoglycemia; therefore, the solution containing the highest amount of glucose should be hung until the new PN solution becomes available. Because PN solutions contain high glucose concentrations, the 10% dextrose in water solution is the best of the choices presented. The solution selected should be one that minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia. The remaining options will not be as effective in minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. The nurse is monitoring the status of a client's fat emulsion (lipid) infusion and notes that the infusion is 1 hour behind. Which action should the nurse take? 1. Adjust the infusion rate to catch up over the next hour. 2. Increase the infusion rate to catch up over the next 2 hours. 3. Ensure that the fat emulsion infusion rate is infusing at the prescribed rate. 4. Adjust the infusion rate to run wide open until the solution is back on time. Ensure that the fat emulsion infusion rate is infusing at the prescribed rate. The nurse should not increase the rate of a fat emulsion to make up the difference if the infusion timing falls behind. Doing so could place the client at risk for fat overload. In addition, increasing the rate suddenly can cause fluid overload. The same principle (not increasing the rate) applies to parenteral nutrition or any intravenous infusion. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect. A client receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) in the home setting has a weight gain of 5 lb in 1 week. The nurse should next assess the client for the presence of which condition? 1. Thirst 2. Polyuria 3. Decreased blood pressure 4. Crackles on auscultation of the lungs Crackles on auscultation of the lungs Optimal weight gain when the client is receiving PN is 1 to 2 lb/week. The client who has a weight gain of 5 lb/week while receiving PN is likely to have fluid retention. This can result in hypervolemia. Signs of hypervolemia include increased blood pressure, crackles on lung auscultation, a bounding pulse, jugular vein distention, headache, peripheral edema, and weight gain more than desired. Thirst and polyuria are associated with hyperglycemia. A decreased blood pressure is likely to be noted in deficient fluid volume. The nurse is caring for a restless client who is beginning nutritional therapy with parenteral nutrition (PN). The nurse should plan to ensure that which action is taken to prevent the client from sustaining injury? 1. Calculate daily intake and output. 2. Monitor the temperature once daily. 3. Secure all connections in the PN system. 4. Monitor blood glucose levels every 12 hours. Secure all connections in the PN system. The nurse should plan to secure all connections in the tubing (connections are used per agency protocol). This helps to prevent the restless client from pulling the connections apart accidentally. The nurse should also monitor intake and output, but this does not relate specifically to a risk for injury as presented in the question. Also, monitoring the temperature and blood glucose levels does not relate to a risk for injury as presented in the question. In addition, the client's temperature and blood glucose levels are monitored more frequently than the time frames identified in the options to detect signs of infection and hyperglycemia, respectively A client receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) complains of a headache. The nurse notes that the client has an increased blood pressure, bounding pulse, jugular vein distention, and crackles bilaterally. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing which complication of PN therapy? 1. Sepsis 2. Air embolism 3. Hypervolemia 4. Hyperglycemia Hypervolemia Hypervolemia is a critical situation and occurs from excessive fluid administration or administration of fluid too rapidly. Clients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic dysfunction are also at increased risk. The client's signs and symptoms presented in the question are consistent with hypervolemia. The increased intravascular volume increases the blood pressure, whereas the pulse rate increases as the heart tries to pump the extra fluid volume. The increased volume also causes neck vein distention and shifting of fluid into the alveoli, resulting in lung crackles. The signs and symptoms presented in the question do not indicate sepsis, air embolism, or hyperglycemia. A client had a 1000-mL bag of 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride hung at 1500. The nurse making rounds at 1545 finds that the client is complaining of a pounding headache and is dyspneic, experiencing chills, and apprehensive, with an increased pulse rate. The intravenous (IV) bag has 400 mL remaining. The nurse should take which action first? 1. Slow the IV infusion. 2. Sit the client up in bed. 3. Remove the IV catheter. 4. Call the health care provider (HCP). Slow the IV infusion. The client's symptoms are compatible with circulatory overload. This may be verified by noting that 600 mL has infused in the course of 45 minutes. The first action of the nurse is to slow the infusion. Other actions may follow in rapid sequence. The nurse may elevate the head of the bed to aid the client's breathing, if necessary. The nurse also notifies the HCP. The IV catheter is not removed; it may be needed for the administration of medications to resolve the complication. The nurse has a prescription to hang a 1000-mL intravenous (IV) bag of 5% dextrose in water with 20 mEq of potassium chloride. The nurse also needs to hang an IV infusion of piperacillin/tazobactam. The client has one IV site. The nurse should plan to take which action first? 1. Start a second IV site. 2. Check compatibility of the medication and IV fluids. 3. Mix the prepackaged piperacillin/tazobactam per agency policy. 4. Prime the tubing with the IV solution, and back-prime the medication. Check compatibility of the medication and IV fluids. When hanging an IV antibiotic, the nurse should first check compatibility of the medication and the IV fluids currently prescribed. If the fluids and medication are incompatible, it would then be appropriate to start a second IV site. If they are compatible, the nurse should hang them together so as to avoid having to start another IV site. After this, the nurse should prepare the prepackaged piperacillin/tazobactam per agency policy, then prime the tubing with the IV solution, and then back-prime the medication. Back-priming prevents any medication from being lost during the priming process. The nurse is making initial rounds on the nursing unit to assess the condition of assigned clients. Which assessment findings are consistent with infiltration? Select all that apply. 1. Pain and erythema 2. Pallor and coolness 3. Numbness and pain 4. Edema and blanched skin 5. Formation of a red streak and purulent drainage 2. Pallor and coolness 3. Numbness and pain 4. Edema and blanched skin An infiltrated intravenous (IV) line is one that has dislodged from the vein and is lying in subcutaneous tissue. Pallor, coolness, edema, pain, numbness, and blanched skin are the results of IV fluid being deposited in the subcutaneous tissue. When the pressure in the tissues exceeds the pressure in the tubing, the flow of the IV solution will stop, and if an electronic pump is being used, it will alarm. Erythema can be associated with infection, phlebitis, or thrombosis. Formation of a red streak and purulent drainage is associated with phlebitis and infection The nurse is inserting an intravenous (IV) line into a client's vein. After the initial stick, the nurse would continue to advance the catheter in which situation? 1. The catheter advances easily. 2. The vein is distended under the needle. 3. The client does not complain of discomfort. 4. Blood return shows in the backflash chamber of the catheter. Blood return shows in the backflash chamber of the catheter. The IV catheter has entered the lumen of the vein successfully when blood backflash shows in the IV catheter. The vein should have been distended by the tourniquet before the vein was cannulated, and if further distention occurs after venipuncture, this could mean the needle went through the vein and into the tissue; therefore, the catheter should not be advanced. Client discomfort varies with the client, the site, and the nurse's insertion technique and is not a reliable measure of catheter placement. The nurse should not advance the catheter until placement in the vein is verified by blood return. The nurse is assessing a client's peripheral intravenous (IV) site after completion of a vancomycin infusion and notes that the area is reddened, warm, painful, and slightly edematous proximal to the insertion point of the IV catheter. At this time, which action by the nurse is best? 1. Check for the presence of blood return. 2. Remove the IV site and restart at another site. 3. Document the findings and continue to monitor the IV site. 4. Call the health care provider (HCP) and request that the vancomycin be given orally. Remove the IV site and restart at another site. Phlebitis at an IV site can be distinguished by client discomfort at the site and by redness, warmth, and swelling proximal to the catheter. If phlebitis occurs, the nurse should remove the IV line and insert a new IV line at a different site, in a vein other than the one that has developed phlebitis. Checking for the presence of blood return should be done before the administration of vancomycin because this medication is a vesicant. Documenting the findings and continuing to monitor the IV site and calling the HCP and requesting that the vancomycin be given orally do not address the immediate problem. Additionally, there could be indications for the prescription of IV as opposed to oral vancomycin for the client. The HCP should be notified of the complications with the IV site, but not asked for a prescription for oral vancomycin. The nurse is preparing a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion at the medication cart. As the nurse goes to insert the spike end of the IV tubing into the IV bag, the tubing drops and the spike end hits the top of the medication cart. The nurse should take which action? 1. Obtain a new IV bag. 2. Obtain new IV tubing. 3. Wipe the spike end of the tubing with povidone iodine. 4. Scrub the spike end of the tubing with an alcohol swab. Obtain new IV tubing. The nurse should obtain new IV tubing because contamination has occurred and could cause systemic infection to the client. There is no need to obtain a new IV bag because the bag was not contaminated. Wiping with povidone iodine or alcohol is insufficient and is contraindicated because the spike will be inserted into the IV bag. A health care provider has written a prescription to discontinue an intravenous (IV) line. The nurse should obtain which item from the unit supply area for applying pressure to the site after removing the IV catheter? 1. Elastic wrap 2. Povidone iodine swab 3. Adhesive bandage 4. Sterile 2 × 2 gauze Sterile 2 × 2 gauze A dry sterile dressing such as a sterile 2 × 2 gauze is used to apply pressure to the discontinued IV site. This material is absorbent, sterile, and nonirritating. A povidone iodine swab would irritate the opened puncture site and would not stop the blood flow. An adhesive bandage or elastic wrap may be used to cover the site once hemostasis has occurred. A client rings the call light and complains of pain at the site of an intravenous (IV) infusion. The nurse assesses the site and determines that phlebitis has developed. The nurse should take which actions in the care of this client? Select all that apply. 1. Remove the IV catheter at that site. 2. Apply warm moist packs to the site. 3. Notify the health care provider (HCP). 4. Start a new IV line in a proximal portion of the same vein. 5. Document the occurrence, actions taken, and the client's response. 1. Remove the IV catheter at that site. 2. Apply warm moist packs to the site. 3. Notify the health care provider (HCP). 5. Document the occurrence, actions taken, and the client's response. Phlebitis is an inflammation of the vein that can occur from mechanical or chemical (medication) trauma or from a local infection and can cause the development of a clot (thrombophlebitis). The nurse should remove the IV at the phlebitic site and apply warm moist compresses to the area to speed resolution of the inflammation. Because phlebitis has occurred, the nurse also notifies the HCP about the IV complication. The nurse should restart the IV in a vein other than the one that has developed phlebitis. Finally, the nurse documents the occurrence, actions taken, and the client's response. A client involved in a motor vehicle crash presents to the emergency department with severe internal bleeding. The client is severely hypotensive and unresponsive. The nurse anticipates that which intravenous (IV) solution will most likely be prescribed for this client? 1. 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's solution 2. 0.33% sodium chloride (⅓ normal saline) 3. 0.45% sodium chloride (½ normal saline) 4. 0.225% sodium chloride (¼ normal saline) 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's solution For this client, the goal of therapy is to expand intravascular volume as quickly as possible. In this situation, the client will likely experience a decrease in intravascular volume from blood loss, resulting in decreased blood pressure. Therefore, a solution that increases intravascular volume, replaces immediate blood loss volume, and increases blood pressure is needed. The 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's (hypertonic) solution would increase intravascular volume and immediately replace lost fluid volume until a transfusion could be administered, resulting in an increase in the client's blood pressure. The solutions in the remaining options would not be given to this client because they are hypotonic solutions and, instead of increasing intravascular space, the solutions would move into the cells via osmosis. The nurse provides a list of instructions to a client being discharged to home with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client made which statement? 1. "I need to wear a MedicAlert tag or bracelet." 2. "I need to restrict my activity while this catheter is in place." 3. "I need to keep the insertion site protected when in the shower or bath." 4. "I need to check the markings on the catheter each time the dressing is changed." "I need to restrict my activity while this catheter is in place." The client should be taught that only minor activity restrictions apply with this type of catheter. The client should carry or wear a MedicAlert identification and should protect the site during bathing to prevent infection. The client should check the markings on the catheter during each dressing change to assess for catheter migration or dislodgement A client has just undergone insertion of a central venous catheter at the bedside under ultrasound. The nurse would be sure to check which results before initiating the flow rate of the client's intravenous (IV) solution at 100 mL/hour? 1. Serum osmolality 2. Serum electrolyte levels 3. Intake and output record 4. Chest radiology results Chest radiology results Before beginning administration of IV solution, the nurse should assess whether the chest radiology results reveal that the central catheter is in the proper place. This is necessary to prevent infusion of IV fluid into pulmonary or subcutaneous tissues. The other options represent items that are useful for the nurse to be aware of in the general care of this client, but they do not relate to this procedure. Intravenous (IV) fluids have been infusing at 100 mL/hour via a central line catheter in the right internal jugular for approximately 24 hours to increase urine output and maintain the client's blood pressure. Upon entering the client's room, the nurse notes that the client is breathing rapidly and coughing. For which additional signs of a complication should the nurse assess based on the previously known data? 1. Excessive bleeding 2. Crackles in the lungs 3. Incompatibility of the infusion 4. Chest pain radiating to the left arm Crackles in the lungs Circulatory (fluid) overload is a complication of IV therapy. Signs include rapid breathing, dyspnea, a moist cough, and crackles. Blood pressure and heart rate also increase if circulatory overload is present. Therefore, since the nurse previously noted rapid breathing and coughing, the nurse should then assess for a moist cough and crackles. Hematoma is another potential complication and is characterized by ecchymosis, swelling, and leakage at the IV insertion site, as well as hard and painful lumps at the site. Allergic reaction is a complication of administration of IV fluids or medication and is characterized by chills, fever, malaise, headache, nausea, vomiting, backache, and tachycardia; this type of reaction could also occur if the IV solutions infused are incompatible; however, there was no indication of multiple solutions being infused simultaneously in this question. Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic sign of cardiac compromise and is not specifically related to a complication of IV therapy. Packed red blood cells have been prescribed for a female client with a hemoglobin level of 7.6 g/dL (76 mmol/L) and a hematocrit level of 30% (0.30). The nurse takes the client's temperature before hanging the blood transfusion and records 100.6°F (38.1°C) orally. Which action should the nurse take? 1. Begin the transfusion as prescribed. 2. Administer an antihistamine and begin the transfusion. 3. Delay hanging the blood and notify the health care provider (HCP). 4. Administer 2 tablets of acetaminophen and begin the transfusion. Delay hanging the blood and notify the health care provider (HCP). If the client has a temperature higher than 100°F (37.8°C), the unit of blood should not be hung until the HCP is notified and has the opportunity to give further prescriptions. The HCP likely will prescribe that the blood be administered regardless of the temperature, or may instruct the nurse to administer prescribed acetaminophen and wait until the temperature has decreased before administration, but the decision is not within the nurse's scope of practice to make. The nurse needs an HCP's prescription to administer medications to the client. The nurse has received a prescription to transfuse a client with a unit of packed red blood cells. Before explaining the procedure to the client, the nurse should ask which initial question? 1. "Have you ever had a transfusion before?" 2. "Why do you think that you need the transfusion?" 3. "Have you ever gone into shock for any reason in the past?" 4. "Do you know the complications and risks of a transfusion?" "Have you ever had a transfusion before?" Asking the client about personal experience with transfusion therapy provides a good starting point for client teaching about this procedure. Questioning about previous history of shock and knowledge of complications and risks of transfusion is not helpful because it may elicit a fearful response from the client. Although determining whether the client knows the reason for the transfusion is important, it is not an appropriate statement in terms of eliciting information from the client regarding an understanding of the need for the transfusion. A client receiving a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) begins to vomit. The client's blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg from a baseline of 125/78 mm Hg. The client's temperature is 100.8°F (38.2°C) orally from a baseline of 99.2°F (37.3°C) orally. The nurse determines that the client may be experiencing which complication of a blood transfusion? 1. Septicemia 2. Hyperkalemia 3. Circulatory overload 4. Delayed transfusion reaction Septicemia Septicemia occurs with the transfusion of blood contaminated with microorganisms. Signs include chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, and the development of shock. Hyperkalemia causes weakness, paresthesias, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and dysrhythmias. Circulatory overload causes cough, dyspnea, chest pain, wheezing, tachycardia, and hypertension. A delayed transfusion reaction can occur days to years after a transfusion. Signs include fever, mild jaundice, and a decreased hematocrit level. The nurse determines that a client is having a transfusion reaction. After the nurse stops the transfusion, which action should be taken next? 1. Remove the intravenous (IV) line. 2. Run a solution of 5% dextrose in water. 3. Run normal saline at a keep-vein-open rate. 4. Obtain a culture of the tip of the catheter device removed from the client. Run normal saline at a keep-vein-open rate. If the nurse suspects a transfusion reaction, the nurse stops the transfusion and infuses normal saline at a keep-vein-open rate pending further health care provider prescriptions. This maintains a patent IV access line and aids in maintaining the client's intravascular volume. The nurse would not remove the IV line because then there would be no IV access route. Obtaining a culture of the tip of the catheter device removed from the client is incorrect. First, the catheter should not be removed. Second, cultures are performed when infection, not transfusion reaction, is suspected. Normal saline is the solution of choice over solutions containing dextrose because saline does not cause red blood cells to clump. The nurse has just received a unit of packed red blood cells from the blood bank for transfusion to an assigned client. The nurse is careful to select tubing especially made for blood products, knowing that this tubing is manufactured with which item? Click on the image to indicate your answer. 3 A client has received a transfusion of platelets. The nurse evaluates that the client is benefiting most from this therapy if the client exhibits which finding? 1. Increased hematocrit level 2. Increased hemoglobin level 3. Decline of elevated temperature to normal 4. Decreased oozing of blood from puncture sites and gums Decreased oozing of blood from puncture sites and gums Platelets are necessary for proper blood clotting. The client with insufficient platelets may exhibit frank bleeding or oozing of blood from puncture sites, wounds, and mucous membranes. Increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels would occur when the client has received a transfusion of red blood cells. An elevated temperature would decline to normal after infusion of granulocytes because these cells were instrumental in fighting infection in the body. The nurse has obtained a unit of blood from the blood bank and has checked the blood bag properly with another nurse. Just before beginning the transfusion, the nurse should assess which priority item? 1. Vital signs 2. Skin color 3. Urine output 4. Latest hematocrit level Vital signs A change in vital signs during the transfusion from baseline may indicate that a transfusion reaction is occurring. This is why the nurse assesses vital signs before the procedure and again after the first 15 minutes and thereafter per agency policy. The other options do not identify assessments that are a priority just before beginning a transfusion. The nurse has just received a prescription to transfuse a unit of packed red blood cells for an assigned client. What action should the nurse take next? 1. Check a set of vital signs. 2. Order the blood from the blood bank. 3. Obtain Y-site blood administration tubing. 4. Check to be sure that consent for the transfusion has been signed. Check to be sure that consent for the transfusion has been signed. After receiving a prescription for a blood transfusion, the first action the nurse should take should be to check to be sure that consent for the transfusion has been signed by the client. If the client has consented, the nurse should then check a set of vital signs to be sure there is no contraindication for a transfusion at that time, such as an elevation in temperature. If the vital signs are acceptable, the nurse can then gather supplies to administer the transfusion and order the blood from the blood bank. Following infusion of a unit of packed red blood cells, the client has developed new onset of tachycardia, bounding pulses, crackles, and wheezes. Which action should the nurse implement first? 1. Maintain bed rest with legs elevated. 2. Place the client in high Fowler's position. 3. Increase the rate of infusion of intravenous fluids. 4. Consult with the health care provider (HCP) regarding initiation of oxygen therapy. Place the client in high Fowler's position. New onset of tachycardia, bounding pulses, and crackles and wheezes posttransfusion is evidence of fluid overload, a complication associated with blood transfusions. Placing the client in a high Fowler's (upright) position will facilitate breathing. Measures that increase blood return to the heart, such as leg elevation and administration of IV fluids, should be avoided at this time. In addition, administration of fluids cannot be initiated without a prescription. Consulting with the HCP regarding administration of oxygen may be necessary, but positional changes take a short amount of time to do and should be initiated first. The nurse, listening to the morning report, learns that an assigned client received a unit of granulocytes the previous evening. The nurse makes a note to assess the results of which daily serum laboratory studies to assess the effectiveness of the transfusion? 1. Hematocrit level 2. Erythrocyte count 3. Hemoglobin level 4. White blood cell count White blood cell count The client who has neutropenia may receive a transfusion of granulocytes, or WBCs. These clients often have severe infections and are unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. The nurse notes the results of follow-up WBC counts and differential to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy. The nurse also continues to monitor the client for signs and symptoms of infection. Erythrocyte count and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are determined after transfusion of packed red blood cells. A client is brought to the emergency department having experienced blood loss related to an arterial laceration. Which blood component should the nurse expect the health care provider to prescribe? 1. Platelets 2. Granulocytes 3. Fresh-frozen plasma 4. Packed red blood cells Fresh-frozen plasma Fresh-frozen plasma is often used for volume expansion as a result of fluid and blood loss. It is rich in clotting factors and can be thawed quickly and transfused quickly. Platelets are used to treat thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. Granulocytes may be used to treat a client with sepsis or a neutropenic client with an infection that is unresponsive to antibiotics. Packed red blood cells are a blood product used to replace erythrocytes. The nurse who is about to begin a blood transfusion knows that blood cells start to deteriorate after a certain period of time. The nurse takes which actions in order to prevent a complication of the blood transfusion as it relates to deterioration of blood cells? Select all that apply. 1. Checks the expiration date 2. Inspects for the presence of clots 3. Checks the blood group and type 4. Checks the blood identification number 5. Hangs the blood within the specified time frame per agency policy 1. Checks the expiration date 5. Hangs the blood within the specified time frame per agency policy The nurse notes the expiration date on the unit of blood to ensure that the blood is fresh. Blood cells begin to deteriorate over time, so safe storage usually is limited to 35 days. Careful notation of the expiration date by the nurse is an essential part of the verification process before hanging a unit of blood. The nurse also needs to hang the blood within the specified time frame after receiving it from the blood bank per agency policy to ensure that the blood being transfused is fresh. The blood bank keeps the blood regulated at a specific temperature, and therefore it must be infused within a specified time frame once received on the unit. The nurse also notes the blood identification (unit) number, blood group and type, and client's name, but this is not specifically related to the degradation of blood cells. The nurse also inspects the unit of blood for leaks, abnormal color, clots, and bubbles and returns the unit to the blood bank if clots are noted. Again, this is not related to the degradation of blood cells over time. A client requiring surgery is anxious about the possible need for a blood transfusion during or after the procedure. The nurse suggests to the client to take which actions to reduce the risk of possible transfusion complications? Select all that apply. 1. Ask a family member to donate blood ahead of time. 2. Give an autologous blood donation before the surgery. 3. Take iron supplements before surgery to boost hemoglobin levels. 4. Request that any donated blood be screened twice by the blood bank. 5. Take adequate amounts of vitamin C several days prior to the surgery date. 1. Ask a family member to donate blood ahead of time. 2. Give an autologous blood donation before the surgery. A donation of the client's own blood before a scheduled procedure is autologous. Donating autologous blood to be reinfused as needed during or after surgery reduces the risk of disease transmission and potential transfusion complications. The next most effective way is to ask a family member to donate blood before surgery. Blood banks do not provide extra screening on request. Preoperative iron supplements are helpful for iron deficiency anemia but are not helpful in replacing blood lost during the surgery. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, but also is not helpful in replacing blood lost during surgery A client with severe blood loss resulting from multiple trauma requires rapid transfusion of several units of blood. The nurse asks another health team member to obtain which device for use during the transfusion procedure to help reduce the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias? 1. Infusion pump 2. Pulse oximeter 3. Cardiac monitor 4. Blood-warming device Blood-warming device If several units of blood are to be administered rapidly, a blood warmer should be used. Rapid transfusion of cool blood places the client at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. To prevent this, the nurse warms the blood with a blood-warming device. Pulse oximetry and cardiac monitoring equipment are useful for the early assessment of complications but do not reduce the occurrence of cardiac dysrhythmias. Electronic infusion devices are not helpful in this case because the infusion must be rapid, and infusion devices generally are used to control the flow rate. In addition, not all infusion devices are made to handle blood or blood products. A client has a prescription to receive a unit of packed red blood cells. The nurse should obtain which intravenous (IV) solution from the IV storage area to hang with the blood product at the client's bedside? 1. Lactated Ringer's 2. 0.9% sodium chloride 3. 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride 4. 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride 0.9% sodium chloride Sodium chloride 0.9% (normal saline) is a standard isotonic solution used to precede and follow infusion of blood products. Dextrose is not used because it could result in clumping and subsequent hemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs). Lactated Ringer's is not the solution of choice with this procedure. The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a blood transfusion and is complaining of a cough. The nurse checks the client's vital signs, which include temperature of 97.2°F (36.2°C), pulse of 108 beats per minute, blood pressure of 152/76 mm Hg, respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute, and an oxygen saturation level of 95% on room air. The client denies pain at this time. Based on this information, what initial action should the nurse take? 1. Collect a urine sample for analysis. 2. Place the client in an upright position. 3. Compare current data to baseline data. 4. Slow the rate of the blood transfusion Compare current data to baseline data. For the client receiving a blood transfusion, the nurse should monitor for potential complications of a transfusion. One of the complications is circulatory overload. Signs and symptoms of circulatory overload include cough, dyspnea, chest pain, wheezing on auscultation of the lungs, headache, hypertension, tachycardia and a bounding pulse, and distended neck veins. Based on the data in the question, the nurse should compare current data to baseline data. The nurse should also further assess the client for other signs and symptoms of circulatory overload. If the nurse still suspects this complication after comparing to baseline data, the nurse should then place the client in an upright position with the feet in a dependent position and slow the rate of the infusion. Collection of a urine sample should occur if the nurse suspects a transfusion reaction, such as a hemolytic reaction. The nurse caring for a client with a chest tube turns the client to the side and the chest tube accidentally disconnects from the water seal chamber. Which initial action should the nurse take? 1. Call the health care provider (HCP). 2. Place the tube in a bottle of sterile water. 3. Replace the chest tube system immediately. 4. Place a sterile dressing over the disconnection site. Place the tube in a bottle of sterile water. If the chest drainage system is disconnected, the end of the tube is placed in a bottle of sterile water held below the level of the chest. The HCP may need to be notified, but this is not the initial action. The system is replaced if it breaks or cracks or if the collection chamber is full. Placing a sterile dressing over the disconnection site will not prevent complications resulting from the disconnection. While changing the tapes on a newly inserted tracheostomy tube, the client coughs and the tube is dislodged. Which is the initial nursing action? 1. Call the health care provider to reinsert the tube. 2. Grasp the retention sutures to spread the opening. 3. Call the respiratory therapy department to reinsert the tracheotomy. 4. Cover the tracheostomy site with a sterile dressing to prevent infection. Grasp the retention sutures to spread the opening. If the tube is dislodged accidentally, the initial nursing action is to grasp the retention sutures and spread the opening. If agency policy permits, the nurse then attempts to replace the tube immediately. Calling ancillary services or the health care provider will delay treatment in this emergency situation. Covering the tracheostomy site will block the airway. The nurse is caring for a client immediately after removal of the endotracheal tube. The nurse should report which sign immediately if experienced by the client? 1. Stridor 2. Occasional pink-tinged sputum 3. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/minute 4. A few basilar lung crackles on the right Stridor An ultrasound is performed on a client at term gestation who is experiencing moderate vaginal bleeding. The results of the ultrasound indicate that abruptio placentae is present. On the basis of these findings, the nurse should prepare the client for which anticipated prescription? 1. Delivery of the fetus 2. Strict monitoring of intake and output 3. Complete bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy 4. The need for weekly monitoring of coagulation studies until the time of delivery Delivery of the fetus Abruptio placentae is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall after the twentieth week of gestation and before the fetus is delivered. The goal of management in abruptio placentae is to control the hemorrhage and deliver the fetus as soon as possible. Delivery is the treatment of choice if the fetus is at term gestation or if the bleeding is moderate to severe and the client or fetus is in jeopardy. Because delivery of the fetus is necessary, options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect regarding management of a client with abruptio placentae.