The nurse is preparing to restart a patient's intravenous line ...

[nautica902]

The nurse is preparing to restart a patient's intravenous line and discovers that the patient has no usable veins in either arm. To solve this problem, the nurse should:
 
  a. discuss the problem with the nurse in charge.
  b. not start the intravenous line.
  c. conduct an internet search for infusion journal articles.
  d. contact the physician and report the concern.

Question 2

The nurse has been hired for her first job and is nervous about making errors in clinical judgment. It is important for the nurse to realize that clinical reasoning and the ability to make decisions in a clinical setting:
 
  a. has been instilled in the content covered in nursing school.
  b. is solely based in clinical experience.
  c. develops over time with increased knowledge and expertise.
  d. is an expectation of all nurses regardless of experience.

[iceage]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Whether in an academic setting or in the clinical area, discussion of a problem, issue, or situation with colleagues may improve critical thinking. Through dialogue with others who have expertise or experience with the issue being faced, knowledge gaps can be filled, erroneous assumptions exposed, and unconscious biases addressed. Not starting the intravenous line is not an option at this point. A literature review to gain published information about intravenous complications may be appropriate after the patient's concern has been addressed. Initially contacting the physician without fully exploring the options for alternate insertion sites is neither wise nor recommended.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Clinical reasoning uses critical thinking, knowledge, and experience to develop solutions to problems and make decisions in a clinical setting. A nurse's clinical-reasoning skills develop over time with increased knowledge and expertise.