Which methods will the nurse use to administer an intravenous (IV) medication that is incompatible with the patient’s IV fluid? (Select all that apply)
Start another IV site.
Administer slowly with a syringe.
Do not give the medication and chart.
Flush with 10 mL of sterile water before and after administration.
Flush with 10 mL of normal saline before and after administration.
Correct Answer : A,E
Choice A reason: Starting a new IV site allows administration of incompatible medication without mixing with the primary fluid, preventing chemical reactions that could alter drug efficacy or cause precipitation, ensuring safe delivery.
Choice B reason: Administering slowly with a syringe does not address incompatibility. Mixing with the primary fluid risks precipitation or inactivation, potentially causing emboli or reduced therapeutic effect, making this method unsafe.
Choice C reason: Not administering the medication avoids incompatibility but delays treatment, which may harm the patient. Alternative methods, like a new IV site or flushing, ensure safe delivery without withholding necessary therapy.
Choice D reason: Flushing with sterile water is inappropriate, as it is hypotonic and may cause hemolysis or fluid shifts. Normal saline is the standard flush to maintain catheter patency and prevent drug interactions during administration.
Choice E reason: Flushing with 10 mL of normal saline before and after administration clears the catheter of incompatible fluids, preventing precipitation or drug inactivation. Saline maintains isotonicity, ensuring safe and effective medication delivery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 3-day-old dressing should be changed per protocol to prevent infection, but it is not an immediate emergency. Swelling indicates potential complications like thrombosis or infiltration, requiring urgent intervention to prevent severe outcomes.
Choice B reason: A PICC inserted 4 weeks ago is within normal duration for use, provided no complications arise. Routine monitoring is needed, but swelling is a more urgent finding, indicating possible vascular or catheter issues.
Choice C reason: An absent securement device risks catheter dislodgement, which is concerning but less urgent than swelling. Swelling may signal thrombosis or fluid extravasation, necessitating immediate action to prevent circulatory or tissue damage.
Choice D reason: Upper extremity swelling may indicate thrombosis, infiltration, or infection, which are serious PICC complications. Thrombosis can obstruct blood flow, risking embolism, while extravasation causes tissue damage. Immediate assessment is critical to ensure patient safety.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Beginning the infusion before confirming placement risks complications, as the catheter may be misplaced in an artery or tissue, causing emboli or tissue damage. X-ray confirmation ensures safe administration through the central line.
Choice B reason: An x-ray confirms the central venous catheter’s tip is correctly positioned in the superior vena cava, preventing complications like pneumothorax, arterial puncture, or infusion into tissues, which could lead to serious adverse effects.
Choice C reason: Checking medication calculations is unrelated to catheter placement. Ensuring proper placement via x-ray is critical to prevent infusion errors, such as delivering medication into an incorrect vessel or tissue space.
Choice D reason: Verifying solution compatibility is important but secondary to confirming catheter placement. Incorrect placement can cause infusion into non-vascular spaces, leading to tissue damage or ineffective therapy, making x-ray confirmation the priority.
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