A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving parenteral nutrition and identifies that the client has hypoglycemia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Elevate the extremity: This action helps reduce swelling and minimizes the spread of infiltrated fluid into surrounding tissues by using gravity to assist in draining the excess fluid back into the bloodstream. Elevating the affected limb above the level of the heart promotes venous return and can help prevent further tissue damage.

B) Flush the IV catheter: Flushing the IV catheter could exacerbate infiltration by pushing more fluid into the surrounding tissue. It is not the appropriate action for managing infiltration and could worsen the client's condition.

C) Slow the infusion rate: Slowing the infusion rate is a reasonable action to reduce the flow of fluid into the tissues and minimize further infiltration. However, it may not be sufficient to manage existing infiltration effectively or prevent tissue damage.

D) Apply pressure to the IV site: Applying pressure to the IV site is not recommended for managing infiltration. It could cause further tissue damage and discomfort for the client and is not considered a standard practice in managing this complication.

B) Sepsis: Propofol is an intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent commonly used for sedation in mechanically ventilated patients. While propofol itself does not directly cause sepsis, its use can increase the risk of sepsis-related complications, such as infection. Propofol is typically administered intravenously, and improper handling or contamination of equipment, including intravenous lines and medication vials, can introduce pathogens into the bloodstream, leading to bloodstream infections (sepsis). Additionally, prolonged use of propofol may suppress immune function, further increasing the susceptibility to infection. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of sepsis, such as fever, chills, hypotension, tachycardia, and altered mental status, as a potential complication of propofol administration.

A) Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not a common complication directly associated with propofol administration. While electrolyte imbalances may occur in critically ill patients, especially those receiving mechanical ventilation, hypokalemia is more likely to result from other factors such as diuretic therapy, gastrointestinal losses, or inadequate potassium intake.

C) Urinary retention: Urinary retention is not a typical complication of propofol administration. While sedative medications like propofol can affect bladder function, causing urinary retention in some cases, it is not a commonly reported complication of propofol use in mechanically ventilated patients.

D) Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, is a potential complication of propofol administration, particularly in critically ill patients who may have altered glucose metabolism. However, hypoglycemia is not as commonly associated with propofol use as sepsis-related complications. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential when administering propofol, especially if the client has preexisting diabetes mellitus or other risk factors for hypoglycemia. However, sepsis is a more direct and significant complication associated with propofol administration in mechanically ventilated patients.