You are caring for a patient who is receiving intravenous (IV) fluids and develops redness and swelling at the IV insertion site. What is your first action?
Redness and swelling at the IV site can indicate phlebitis or an infection. The first action is to stop the IV infusion and assess the site, followed by informing the healthcare team for further action.
A patient in your care has a blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg. What should you do next?
A blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg is considered hypertensive crisis, which can lead to complications. It is essential to inform the doctor immediately and monitor the patient closely for any signs of organ damage or other complications.
A patient with diabetes is complaining of dizziness and sweating. Their blood sugar level is 50 mg/dL. What is your immediate action?
A blood sugar level of 50 mg/dL is hypoglycemia. Immediate treatment involves providing the patient with a quick source of glucose, such as a sugary drink or snack, to raise their blood sugar level and prevent complications.
A patient with a known allergy to penicillin is prescribed an antibiotic containing penicillin. What should you do?
Administering an antibiotic to a patient with a known allergy to penicillin can lead to serious reactions. The nurse should immediately contact the prescribing doctor to ensure the medication is appropriate or to seek an alternative.
You are about to perform a procedure on a patient and need to obtain consent. What should you do?
Informed consent is a fundamental principle in nursing practice. Nurses must ensure the patient understands the procedure, its risks, and benefits, and document their consent, especially for non-emergency procedures. If the patient cannot provide consent, a legal representative must be involved.