a nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of a peripheral iv the site is red and warm what is the nurses priority action
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

2. A healthcare provider is assessing the pain level of a client who has dementia and difficulty communicating. Which pain assessment technique should the healthcare provider use?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with dementia and difficulty communicating, using behavioral indicators such as agitation and restlessness is more reliable for assessing pain than relying on verbal self-report, pain scales, or observing facial expressions. Verbal self-report may not be possible due to communication challenges, pain scales may be difficult for the client to comprehend, and observing facial expressions alone may not provide a comprehensive assessment of pain in individuals with dementia.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who reports pain and burning around the peripheral IV site. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Discontinue the IV line. When a client reports pain and burning around the peripheral IV site, it indicates possible phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action is to discontinue the IV line to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a warm compress (Choice A) may worsen the inflammation. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice C) can exacerbate the symptoms and elevate the risk of complications. Elevating the limb (Choice D) may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the IV line.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with an NG tube. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the priority action the nurse should take before administering enteral feedings. This step ensures that the NG tube is correctly positioned, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Flushing the tube with water, elevating the head of the bed, and measuring residual gastric volume are important steps in enteral feeding administration but come after verifying tube placement. Flushing the tube with water helps clear the tubing, elevating the head of the bed reduces the risk of aspiration, and measuring residual gastric volume helps assess the client's tolerance to feedings.

5. A healthcare provider is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment. What action should the healthcare provider take first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action in a routine abdominal assessment is to inspect the abdomen. This allows the healthcare provider to visually assess for any visible abnormalities such as scars, distention, or masses. Auscultating bowel sounds comes after inspection as the second step to assess bowel motility. Palpation and percussion follow in the sequence of a comprehensive abdominal assessment. Therefore, inspecting the abdomen is the priority to gather initial information before proceeding with further assessment techniques.

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