A client returns to the acute care unit following surgery with 0.9% normal saline infusing at 45 drops/minute through tubing with a drop factor of 60 drops per ml. The postoperative prescriptions include 0.9% normal saline at 75 ml/hour to alternate with Lactated Ringer's solution at 75 ml/hour. An intravenous infusion pump is not available. What action should the nurse implement?
Change the normal saline to a keep open rate until an infusion pump is available.
Increase the rate of the present normal saline infusion to 75 drops per minute.
Leave the normal saline at the current rate until an infusion pump is available.
Switch the saline to Lactated Ringer's solution infusing at 75 drops per minute.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Changing the normal saline to a keep-open rate (KVO) is not appropriate in this situation, as the client has specific fluid orders that need to be followed, and a KVO rate would not provide the prescribed maintenance fluids.
Choice B: Increasing the rate of the present normal saline infusion to 75 drops per minute would not meet the prescription for 0.9% normal saline at 75 ml/hour.
Adjusting the rate this way would require an infusion pump.
Choice C: Leaving the normal saline at the current rate until an infusion pump is available is the most appropriate action. It ensures that the client continues to receive fluids at the ordered rate until the necessary equipment is in place.
Choice D: Switching the saline to Lactated Ringer's solution infusing at 75 drops per minute would not meet the prescribed rate for the normal saline solution. The nurse should follow the specific orders provided.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Document the findings in the record – A bluish-black discoloration over the lumbosacral area is most likely a Mongolian spot, a benign congenital birthmark commonly seen in infants with darker skin tones. It does not require intervention, only documentation.
B. Report possible child abuse to protective services – Mongolian spots may resemble bruises, but they are not a sign of abuse. Reporting without further assessment is inappropriate.
C. Gently rub the area with skin cream to promote healing – Mongolian spots are not injuries and do not require treatment.
D. Ask the mother about the discoloration – While obtaining history is important, Mongolian spots are well-known benign findings that do not require further clarification from the parent.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Checking mental acuity is important for assessing the client's cognitive function, but it may not be the most crucial intervention in the context of left- sided heart failure.
Choice B: Measuring urinary output is a valuable assessment in clients with heart failure, but it is not the most important intervention among the choices provided.
Choice C: Inspecting for sacral edema is a relevant assessment for clients with heart failure, especially when assessing for fluid retention. However, it may not be the highest priority in this case.
Choice D: Auscultating all lung fields is the most important intervention for a client with left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure often results in pulmonary congestion, and auscultating the lung fields can provide critical information about the presence of crackles, wheezes, or other abnormal breath sounds, indicating worsening heart failure.
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