The IV infusion pump for a patient receiving an IV therapy begins to alarm and displays occlusion. When the silence button is pushed, the alarm quickly resumes. Which action should the nurse take first?
Turn off the IV solution and gently flush the line with 3 mL of saline flush solution.
Decrease the rate to 10 mL/hr and flush the line with 1 mL of heparin solution.
Notify the physician
Check for kinking of the tubing or a closed clamp.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Turn off the IV solution and gently flush the line with 3 mL of saline flush solution: This may be necessary later if the occlusion is not resolved by troubleshooting, but the first action should be to check the tubing and clamp for any obstructions.
B. Decrease the rate to 10 mL/hr and flush the line with 1 mL of heparin solution: This is not appropriate as an initial action. Heparin flushes are generally used for maintaining patency in central lines and are not indicated for occlusions caused by tubing issues.
C. Notify the physician: While important if the issue persists, this is not the first action. The nurse should attempt to resolve the problem independently first.
D. Check for kinking of the tubing or a closed clamp: This is the first action the nurse should take. Most occlusions are due to kinking in the tubing or a closed clamp, and resolving this issue may immediately restore the flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Urine output 20 mL/hr: A urine output of 20 mL/hr is on the low side but can still be expected in dehydration, as the body attempts to conserve water. Normal urine output is 30 mL/hr or more, so this could still be a sign of dehydration.
B. Sodium 142 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L): This sodium level is within the normal range. Dehydration may cause sodium to be elevated if water loss is more significant than sodium loss, but a normal value does not indicate dehydration.
C. Cool skin: Cool skin is a typical finding in dehydration, particularly in severe cases, due to reduced peripheral circulation and vasoconstriction as the body tries to maintain core temperature and blood pressure.
D. Bradycardia: Dehydration usually causes tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism to maintain blood pressure and perfusion, not bradycardia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Adding pecans will be a change I can readily make.": Pecans are not a significant source of potassium compared to other foods.
B. "I will eat cantaloupe for my morning snack.": Cantaloupe is a potassium-rich food and an excellent choice to increase dietary potassium.
C. "I will miss eating yogurt every day for breakfast.": Yogurt is a good potassium source, so discontinuing it would not help.
D. "I can plan to eat rice instead of baked potatoes.": Rice is low in potassium, whereas baked potatoes are a potassium-rich option.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
