The patient is scheduled to receive 1 unit of packed RBCs. She has small, fragile veins, and a 22-gauge intravenous (IV) patent catheter is in place. What should the nurse do?
a. Cancel the blood transfusion.
b. Insert a 16-gauge IV catheter into the antecubital fossa.
c. Use the IV catheter that is in place.
d. Transfuse the blood over 6 hours.
C
In emergency situations that require rapid transfusions, a large-gauge cannula is preferred; however, transfusions for therapeutic indications may be infused with cannulas ranging from 20 to 24 gauge. Large-gauge cannulas (18 or 20 gauge) promote rapid flow of blood components. 16-Gauge catheters are used frequently in surgery, but not usually on acute care units. Blood must be transfused within 4 hours. Use of smaller-gauge cannulas, such as 24 gauge, often requires the blood bank to divide the unit so that each half can be infused within the allotted time or requires the use of pressure-assisted devices.
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The nurse recognizes that the patient receiving mechanical ventilation also receives humidification of the airway which is important because it:
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Which of the following statements most accurately conveys an aspect of lymphatic system activity?
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An older client is discussing his desire to continue walking during the winter months, but expresses fear of being out in the colder weather. The nurse appropriately recommends for him to:
a. suspend all walking activities until the weather is favorable b. walk inside at the local shopping mall c. join a health club and walk on the treadmill d. continue to walk outside no matter what the weather