The nurse talks with a client who is receiving chemotherapy, ...

[Diane]

The nurse talks with a client who is receiving chemotherapy, discussing the importance of handwashing and screening visitors who are ill. The client receives these instructions more than once.
 
  The most important reason for the repetition of these instructions is: 1. It is very important to protect visitors from infection by the client.
  2. The client is unable to retain much information at this time.
  3. The client is immunosuppressed, and more susceptible to infection.
  4. The nurse is not aware that the client has already received this information.

Question 2

The nurse is initiating an IV, and has introduced the catheter into the skin, and is not immediately successful. What will the nurse do next?
 
  1. Remove the catheter and ask another nurse to initiate the IV.
  2. Probe around with the catheter until the vein is found.
  3. Gently feel the tip of the cannula.
  4. Insert the needle further.

[Athena23]

Answer to Question 1

3
Rationale: Chemotherapy has the effect of reducing the immune system response, with decreased white blood cell and red blood cell counts. In combination with the client's general debilitation, she is at great risk for increased infection. It is important that the client fully understand infection precautions regarding hand hygiene, screening ill visitors, and avoiding large crowds of people. Caution should be taken with coming in contact with young children, who are more likely to have an infection.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: The nurse will gently feel the tip of the cannula to determine its location in relationship to the vein. Only if the nurse is unsuccessful in cannulating the vein after determining location would the catheter be removed. Probing around with the catheter can cause tissue trauma, and should not be practiced. Inserting the needle further without locating the tip will be unlikely to improve success.

[Diane]

Excellent

[bblaney]

TYSM