A nurse inadvertently administers 160 mg of valsartan PO to a client who was scheduled to receive 80 mg.

Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?

The correct answer is choice A. Measure gastric residual volumes every 4 hr.

This is because continuous enteral feedings through an NG tube can increase the risk of aspiration, which is the inhalation of food or fluids into the lungs. Measuring gastric residual volumes (GRV) can help monitor the tolerance and absorption of the feedings and prevent overfeeding. GRV is the amount of fluid aspirated from the stomach via an enteral tube to check for gastric emptying. The normal range of GRV is less than 200 ml.

Choice B is wrong because advancing the rate of the feeding every 2 hr can lead to overfeeding, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The rate of the feeding should be adjusted according to the client’s nutritional needs and tolerance.

Choice C is wrong because maintaining the head of the bed at a 20° angle is not enough to prevent aspiration. The head of the bed should be elevated at least 30° to 45° during and for at least one hour after feeding.

Choice D is wrong because flushing the NG tube with 30 mL 0.9% sodium chloride before and after medication is not related to continuous enteral feedings. This is a practice to prevent clogging of the tube and ensure proper delivery of medication. Flushing the tube with water before and after feeding is also recommended to maintain patency and hydration.

The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should choose a vein that is palpable and straight for IV catheter insertion.

This will facilitate the insertion of the catheter and reduce the risk of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or hematoma. A straight vein will also allow the catheter to be inserted up to the hub, which reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter.

Choice A is wrong because selecting a site on the client’s dominant arm can interfere with the client’s mobility and increase the risk of dislodging the catheter. The nurse should choose a site on the client’s non-dominant arm, preferably on the hand or forearm.

Choice B is wrong because applying a tourniquet below the venipuncture site will impede blood flow and make it harder to locate a suitable vein. The nurse should apply a tourniquet above the venipuncture site, about 10 to 15 cm from the insertion site.

Choice C is wrong because elevating the client’s arm prior to insertion will decrease venous filling and make it harder to palpate a vein. The nurse should lower the client’s arm below the level of the heart to increase venous distension.

Normal ranges for IV catheter size and insertion angle depend on several factors, such as the type and duration of therapy, the condition and size of the vein, and the age and preference of the client.

In general, smaller gauge catheters (20 to 24) are preferred for peripheral IV therapy, and larger gauge catheters (14 to 18) are used for rapid fluid administration or blood transfusion. The insertion angle can vary from 10 to 30 degrees, depending on the depth and location of the vein.