Questions & Answers
Postoperative Nursing Care: Prophylactic DVT Care - ANSWERS●● Deep-vein
thrombosis
◯◯ Caused by dehydration, stress response that leads to hypercoagulability of the
blood, obesity,
trauma, malignancy, history of thrombosis, hormones, and use of indwelling venous
catheter
■■ Nursing Actions: Prophylactic measures include administration of lower-molecular-
weight
or low-dose heparin or low-dose warfarin (Coumadin), antiembolism stockings,
pneumatic
compression devices, range of motion exercises, and early ambulation.
■■ Avoid any form of pressure behind the knee with a pillow or blanket, which can
cause
constriction of blood vessels and decreased venous return.
■■ Avoid dangling client for long periods of time.
■■ Provide adequate hydration by administering IV fluids or encouraging increased oral
fluid intake.
-Assess and compare peripheral pulses
-Caused by dehydreation, obesity, trauma, malignacy, Hx of thrombosis, hormones, and
use of indwelling cath
-Nursing actions: prevention, avaoid dangling pt for long periods, anticoagulants,
provide adequate hydration
Hemodynamic Shock: Ventricular fibrillation - ANSWERS■■ Cardiogenic and
obstructive shock
☐☐ ECG
XX Assess for ECG changes associated with MI and dysrhythmias.
☐☐ Echocardiogram
XX Diagnostic procedure used for cardiomegaly, cardiomyopathy, the evaluation of
cardiac
contractility and function, ejection fraction, and valve function
☐☐ Computerized tomography (CT)
XX Diagnostic procedure used for cardiomegaly, cardiac tamponade, pulmonary emboli,
cardiomyopathy, aortic dissection or aneurysm, and pericardial effusion
☐☐ Cardiac catheterization
XX Diagnostic procedure used to identify cardiac artery blockage
☐☐ Chest x-ray
XX Diagnostic procedure used to diagnose cardiomegaly, pneumothorax, and to
evaluate lungs
,-can cause cardiogenic shock
-Dx- ECG, Ech, CT, Cardiac cath, chest x ray
-Tx- Cardiac cath, Anticoagulants, defib shock to fix rythem
Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Therapuetic procedure: Assessing arterial line -
ANSWERS◯◯ Arterial lines are placed in the radial (most common), brachial, or
femoral artery.
■■ Arterial lines provide continuous information about changes in blood pressure and
permit the
withdrawal of samples of arterial blood. Intra-arterial pressures can differ from cuff
pressures.
■■ The integrity of the arterial waveform should be assessed to verify the accuracy of
blood
pressure readings.
■■ Monitor circulation in the limb with the arterial line (capillary refill, temperature,
color).
■■ Arterial lines are not used for IV fluid administration.
◯◯ Nursing Actions
■■ Line Insertion
☐☐ Ensure the client's understanding of the procedure prior to obtaining signed
informed
consent form.
☐☐ Assemble the pressure monitoring system. Purge air from system and maintain
sterility
of connections.
☐☐ Place the client in supine or Trendelenburg position.
☐☐ Administer sedation and pain medications as prescribed.
☐☐ Level transducer with phlebostatic axis (4th intercostal space, midaxillary line),
which
corresponds with the right atrium.
☐☐ Zero system with atmospheric pressure, because the hemodynamic pressure lines
must be
calibrated to read zero atmospheric pressure.
☐☐ Obtain initial readings as prescribed. Compare arterial blood pressure to
noninvasive cuff
pressure (NIBP).
☐☐ Document the client's response.
●● Postprocedure
◯◯ Nursing Actions
■■ Obtain chest x-ray to confirm catheter placement.
■■ Continually monitor respiratory and cardiac status (vital signs, heart rhythm, SaO2).
☐☐ Observe respiratory pattern and effort.
☐☐ Compare noninvasive cuff pressure (NIBP) to arterial blood pressure.
■■ Maintain line placement and integrity.
,☐☐ Observe and document waveforms. Report changes in waveforms to the provider,
as this can
indicate catheter migration or displacement.
☐☐ Document catheter placement each shift and as needed (a
Cardiac Glycosides and Heart Failure:
Eval. pt understanding of digoxin administration - ANSWERS■■ Client Education
☐☐ Teach clients who are self-administering digoxin to:
XX Count pulse for 1 min before taking the medication. If the pulse rate is irregular or
the
pulse rate is outside of the limitations set by the provider (usually less than 60/min or
greater than 100/min), instruct the client to hold the dose and contact the provider.
XX Take the digoxin dose at the same time each day.
XX Do not take digoxin at the same time as antacids. Separate the two medications by
at least 2 hr.
XX Report signs of toxicity, including fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion, and loss of
appetite.
XX Regularly have digoxin and potassium levels checked.
■■ Client Education
☐☐ Teach clients who are self-administering digoxin to:
XX Count pulse for 1 min before taking the medication. If the pulse rate is irregular or
the
pulse rate is outside of the limitations set by the provider (usually less than 60/min or
greater than 100/min), the client should hold the dose and contact the provider.
XX Take the dose of digoxin at the same time every day.
XX Do not take digoxin at the same time as antacids. Separate the two medications by
at
least 2 hr.
XX Report signs of toxicity, including fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion, visual
changes,
and loss of appetite.
●● Digoxin - Instruct the client not to take medication within 2 hr of eating, and teach
client how
to take an apical pulse for 1 min.
●● Digoxin - Take apical pulse for 1 min, and monitor laboratory levels for signs of
toxicity.
-Hold if apical HR is <60bpm per min
-Watch for N&V
-Monitor ECG, BP
-Take same time each day
-take 2 hr before or after antacids
- If you miss dose take it as soon as you remember
Opioid Agonist and Antagonists:
, Expected findings following administering Narcan - ANSWERS●● Naloxone has rapid
first-pass inactivation and should be administered IV, IM, or subcutaneously.
Do not administer orally.
●● Observe clients for withdrawal symptoms and/or abrupt onset of pain. Be prepared
to address the
client's need for analgesia (if given for postoperative opioid-related respiratory
depression).
●● Titrate dosage to achieve reversal of respiratory depression without full reversal of
pain
management effects.
●● Rapid infusion of naloxone may cause hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, and
vomiting.
●● Half-life of opioid analgesic may exceed the half-life of naloxone (60 to 90 min).
●● Monitor respirations for up to 2 hr after use to assess for reoccurrence of respiratory
depression and
the need for repeat dosage of naloxone.
Nursing Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
●● Reversal of respiratory depression (respirations are regular, client is without
shortness of breath,
respiratory rate is 16 to 20/min in adults and 40 to 60/min in newborns)
●● Reduced euphoria in alcohol dependency and decreased craving for alcohol in
alcohol
dependency (naltrexone)
●● Severe opioid-caused constipation relieved (methylnaltrexone)
-Increase Resp.
-Pain returns
-increase HR
-increase BP
Blood and Blood Products Transfusions:
Allergic blood transfusion reactions - ANSWERS››Mild allergic reactions (flushing,
itching, urticaria)
›› If manifestations occur, stop the transfusion and notify the provider
immediately, keeping the IV line open with 0.9% sodium chloride.
›› If manifestations are very mild and there is no respiratory
compromise, antihistamines may be prescribed and the transfusion
restarted slowly
Mild- Itching, urticaria, flushing- Administer benadryl
Anaphylactic- wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, cyanosis, hypotension
-maintain airway, admin. 02, IV fluids, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and vasopressors
Acute and Chronic Kidney: Planning Dietary Restrictions - ANSWERS■■ Nutrition
☐☐ Restrict dietary intake of potassium, phosphate, and magnesium during oliguric
phase
(restriction is for the client not requiring dialysis).