Four clients are scheduled to receive IV infusions, but there are only three intravenous (IV) pumps available. Which prescribed infusion can most safely be administered without an IV infusion pump?
Ceftriaxone in 5% Dextrose in Water prescribed for pneumonia.
Heparin in Normal Saline prescribed for deep vein thrombosis.
Magnesium in Normal Saline prescribed for hypomagnesemia.
Regular insulin in Normal Saline prescribed for ketoacidosis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that can be given by gravity infusion without an IV pump, as long as the nurse monitors the flow rate and adjusts the roller clamp as needed. The dose and duration of ceftriaxone are usually fixed and not affected by minor fluctuations in the infusion rate.
Choice B reason: Heparin is an anticoagulant that requires a precise and constant infusion rate to prevent bleeding or clotting complications. An IV pump is essential to deliver heparin safely and accurately.
Choice C reason: Magnesium is an electrolyte that can cause serious adverse effects such as cardiac arrhythmias,
respiratory depression, and muscle weakness if infused too rapidly or too slowly. An IV pump is necessary to control the infusion rate and prevent magnesium toxicity or deficiency.
Choice D reason: Regular insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and requires careful titration based on frequent blood glucose monitoring. An IV pump is required to deliver insulin at a consistent and adjustable rate to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is not the best action because it does not address the conflict between the client and the healthcare provider. The nurse should advocate for the client's wishes and seek a resolution that respects them.
Choice B Reason: This is not an appropriate action because it disregards the client's request and may give false hope. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and dignity.
Choice C Reason: This is not a sufficient action because it does not ensure that the healthcare provider will comply with the client's request. The nurse should also involve other resources to help resolve the ethical dilemma.
Choice D Reason: This is the best action because it involves an impartial group of experts who can help mediate the situation and protect the client's rights. The nurse should seek ethical consultation when there is a disagreement about end-of-life decisions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because the nurse should immediately inform the healthcare provider of the medication error and the client's condition. The healthcare provider may order antidotes, such as protamine sulfate for heparin and vitamin K for warfarin, to reverse the anticoagulant effects and prevent bleeding complications.
Choice B Reason: Monitoring for signs of bleeding is important but not the priority action for the nurse because it does not address the cause of the problem or prevent further harm. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and urine output, as well as check for any signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae,
hematuria, hematemesis, melena, or epistaxis.
Choice C Reason: Completing an adverse occurrence report is important but not the priority action for the nurse because it does not provide immediate intervention or treatment for the client. The nurse should complete an
adverse occurrence report after notifying the healthcare provider and implementing appropriate actions. The report should include the details of the error, such as the time, dose, route, and name of the medications involved, as well as the client's response and outcome.
Choice D Reason: Obtaining blood for coagulation studies is important but not the priority action for the nurse because it does not provide immediate intervention or treatment for the client. The nurse should obtain blood
samples for coagulation studies, such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), after notifying the healthcare provider and following their orders. The results of these tests can help determine the extent of anticoagulation and guide further therapy.
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