39. An RN draws an arterial blood gas sample from a client. The correct action to prevent bleeding at the site is to:
39. An RN draws an arterial blood gas sample from a client. The correct action to prevent bleeding at the site is to:
. Apply direct pressure for 2 minutes.
. Leave the tourniquet in place for 3 minutes.
. Secure an ice pack over the site to cause arterial constriction.
. Apply a vascular closure device to the site.
Test-Taking Tip
Pressure is the usual way to stop bleeding. Eliminate the three options with measures that are not needed (tourniquet, ice, vascular closure).
Content Area: Adult Health, Vascular; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Potential for Complications of Diagnostic Tests/Treatments/Procedures
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Answer 1 is correct because 2 minutes is usually long enough to stop the bleeding. Answer 2 is incorrect because a tourniquet is not needed when drawing blood from an artery. Answer 3 is incorrect because direct pressure is needed with an artery. Answer 4 is incorrect because a vascular closure device is used following cardiac catheterization, not blood gases.