Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Apply a cold compress
• B. Discontinue the IV line
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV line. The client's symptoms of a burning sensation, redness, and swelling at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action in this situation is to remove the source of irritation, which is the IV line, to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Elevating the limb is not the priority in this case. Increasing the IV flow rate can worsen the phlebitis by causing further irritation to the vein.

2. A client with an indwelling urinary catheter is being cared for by a nurse. What finding indicates a catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder distention
• B. Frequent urination
• C. Hematuria
• D. Burning sensation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bladder distention is the correct answer as it indicates that the catheter is not draining properly, which is a sign of occlusion. Frequent urination, hematuria, and burning sensation are not indicative of a catheter occlusion. Frequent urination may suggest a bladder that is not fully emptying, hematuria indicates blood in the urine, and a burning sensation can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, none of which directly relate to a catheter occlusion.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. What should the nurse do with the unused portion after administration?

• A. Store it in the medication cart for later use
• B. Discard it with a witness present
• C. Return it to the pharmacy
• D. Report it to the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take with the unused portion of a narcotic medication after administration is to discard it with a witness present. This procedure is necessary to comply with controlled substance regulations and prevent diversion or misuse of the medication. Storing it in the medication cart for later use is inappropriate as it can lead to unauthorized access. Returning it to the pharmacy is not recommended as the medication has already been dispensed. Reporting it to the provider is not the standard procedure for disposing of controlled substances.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who reports burning around the peripheral IV site. What finding should the nurse identify as a manifestation of infiltration?

• A. Bruising at the IV site
• B. Edema at the IV site
• C. Warmth along the IV site
• D. Pallor at the IV site

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Edema at the IV site is a common sign of infiltration, where fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue. Bruising at the IV site (Choice A) is more indicative of hematoma formation, warmth along the IV site (Choice C) may suggest infection, and pallor at the IV site (Choice D) is not a typical sign of infiltration.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What should the nurse do?

• A. Increase the IV flow rate
• B. Discontinue the IV line
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Elevate the limb

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client presents with symptoms of phlebitis at the IV site, such as redness, warmth, and pain, it is essential to discontinue the IV line. Increasing the IV flow rate could exacerbate the condition by further irritating the vein. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Elevating the limb is not the primary intervention for phlebitis and discontinuing the IV line takes precedence to prevent complications.

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