When you are assess your patient's IV site, before giving an IV push medication, you note that it is slightly red, swollen, and tender to touch. What is the best action by the RN?
Plan to restart the IV in another location after the medication
Restart the IV in another location before infusing the medication.
Change the IV dressing, it may be too tight.
Infuse the medication slowly to decrease vein irritation.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Plan to restart the IV in another location after the medication: Delaying intervention could worsen the patient’s condition. Administering medication into a compromised site risks further irritation, infiltration, or infection.
B. Restart the IV in another location before infusing the medication: This is the best action because redness, swelling, and tenderness suggest phlebitis or infiltration. Restarting the IV ensures safe administration and prevents complications.
C. Change the IV dressing, it may be too tight: A tight dressing may cause discomfort, but redness and swelling indicate an actual site complication, not just pressure from the dressing. Changing it alone would not resolve the issue.
D. Infuse the medication slowly to decrease vein irritation: Slowing the infusion does not correct the underlying problem of an inflamed or infiltrated IV site and could worsen local tissue damage if medication leaks outside the vein.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Desired dose = 25 mg.
Determine the concentration of the available solution.
Available: 125 mg in 5 mL
Concentration (mg/mL) = 125 mg / 5 mL
= 25 mg/mL.
Calculate the volume to administer in milliliters (mL).
Volume (mL) = Desired Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)
= 25 mg / 25 mg/mL
= 1 mL.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Start a new IV access to avoid compatibility issues with the new antibiotic: A new IV site is not always necessary unless incompatibility is confirmed. Starting a new IV without assessing compatibility would expose the patient to unnecessary discomfort and risk of complications.
B. Start a new IV access to avoid too much volume at one IV site: The volume infused at one IV site is generally well tolerated if the line is patent. Adding a piggyback antibiotic does not usually cause excessive volume at the site.
C. Increase the continuous infusion to facilitate administration of the antibiotic: Increasing the rate of continuous infusion is unsafe because it alters the prescribed fluid balance. This could put the patient at risk for fluid overload or disrupt carefully ordered fluid therapy.
D. Check if the antibiotic is compatible with the continuous infusion solution: This is the safest action because some drugs may precipitate or inactivate when combined in the same line. Verifying compatibility ensures that the antibiotic can be administered through the existing IV line without compromising safety or effectiveness.
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