how should a nurse care for a patient with a central line

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam Test Bank

1. How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a central line?

A. Flush the line daily
B. Monitor for infection
C. Change the dressing weekly
D. Replace the central line every week

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a patient with a central line, monitoring for infection is crucial. This is because central lines can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to serious infections. While flushing the line daily and changing the dressing weekly are important aspects of central line care, monitoring for infection takes precedence. Infections can occur rapidly and have severe consequences, so early detection through vigilant monitoring is key. Replacing the central line every week is not a standard practice and should only be done when clinically indicated, such as in cases of infection or malfunction.

2. A patient refused a newly open fentanyl patch. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Ask another nurse to witness the disposal of the new patch
B. Dispose of the patch in a sharps container
C. Send the patch back to the pharmacy
D. Document the refusal and remove the patch

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a patient refuses a newly open fentanyl patch is to ask another nurse to witness the disposal of the new patch. This is essential for accountability and ensuring proper disposal procedures are followed. Choice B is incorrect because disposing of the patch in a sharps container without a witness does not ensure proper accountability. Choice C is incorrect as sending the patch back to the pharmacy is not the appropriate action for disposal. Choice D is incorrect because although documenting the refusal is important, it is also crucial to ensure proper disposal of the unused patch by having another nurse witness it.

3. What is the best intervention for a patient experiencing hypoxia?

A. Administer oxygen
B. Reposition the patient
C. Provide humidified air
D. Provide chest physiotherapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best intervention for a patient experiencing hypoxia is to administer oxygen. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation levels in the blood, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxia. Repositioning the patient, providing humidified air, and chest physiotherapy may be beneficial in certain situations but are not the primary interventions for hypoxia. Administering oxygen is crucial to quickly alleviate hypoxia and support the patient's respiratory function.

4. A nurse is providing education to a client who is at 28 weeks gestation and has gestational diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. You will need to increase your protein intake during pregnancy.
B. It is important to monitor your blood glucose levels closely.
C. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
D. You will need to avoid exercise while managing your blood sugar.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should make is that gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. This information is crucial for the client's understanding of the potential long-term implications of gestational diabetes. Monitoring blood glucose levels closely (Choice B) is also important but does not address the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Choices A and D are incorrect as increasing protein intake during pregnancy and avoiding exercise are not recommended strategies for managing gestational diabetes.

5. A client is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypocalcemia?

A. Constipation
B. Numbness and tingling of the fingers
C. Increased thirst
D. Frequent urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Numbness and tingling of the fingers are classic signs of hypocalcemia, a condition that may result from inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands during a thyroidectomy. These symptoms occur due to decreased levels of calcium in the bloodstream affecting nerve function. Choices A, C, and D are not typical manifestations of hypocalcemia. Constipation is more associated with hypercalcemia, increased thirst can be seen in diabetes or dehydration, and frequent urination is a symptom more commonly linked to conditions like diabetes or urinary tract issues.