A patient with a nasal cannula at 5 L/min has skin irritation ...

[rlane42]

A patient with a nasal cannula at 5 L/min has skin irritation around the nares and complains of a dry mouth and nose. Which action by the student nurse should be questioned by the nursing instructor?
 
  a. Using humidification
  b. Applying petroleum-based gel to the nares
  c. Providing frequent oral care
  d. Asking the physician for an order for sterile nasal saline

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a family member of an obese patient how to administer a subcutaneous U-100 insulin injection to the patient. Which instruction should be included in the teaching plan?
 
  a. Carefully massage the site after the injection to aid absorption.
  b. Draw the medication into a tuberculin syringe with a 27-gauge needle.
  c. Insert the needle quickly and firmly at a 90-degree angle.
  d. Rotate injection sites between the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms.

[brbarasa]

Answer to Question 1

B
Petroleum-based gel should not be used around oxygen because it is flammable. If the oxygen flow rate is greater than 4 L/min, humidification should be used. Frequent oral care and sterile nasal saline will help when there is drying of the nasal and oral mucosa.

Answer to Question 2

C
For an obese patient, the skin is pinched and the needle is inserted quickly and firmly at a 90-degree angle. Massage can damage underlying tissue. Subcutaneous U-100 insulin is given using an insulin syringe with a preattached needle of 28 to 31 gauge. Injection site rotation is no longer necessary because newer human insulins carry a lower risk for hypertrophy. Patients choose one anatomical area (e.g., the abdomen) and systematically rotate sites within that regiona practice that maintains consistent insulin absorption from day to day.