A nurse is preparing to administer intermittent lipid emulsion and notes a layer of fat floating in the IV solution bag. Which action should the nurse take?

Choice A reason:Atrial fibrillation is not typically treated with defibrillation; it is usually managed with medication or other forms of rhythm control.

Choice B reason:Supraventricular tachycardia does not usually require defibrillation; it may be treated with vagal maneuvers or medication.

Choice C reason:Asystole, or the absence of a heartbeat, is not treated with defibrillation as there is no electrical activity to reset.

Choice D reason:Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm that requires immediate defibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Choice A reason: A fractured femur, while a serious injury, does not inherently contraindicate the use of lipid emulsions. These patients may require additional nutrition if they are unable to eat adequately by mouth, and lipid emulsions can be part of their parenteral nutrition regimen if needed.

Choice B reason: Severe anorexia nervosa is a condition that can lead to malnutrition and may necessitate the use of parenteral nutrition, including lipid emulsions, to provide essential nutrients. However, care must be taken to avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that can occur when malnourished patients begin to refeed too quickly.

Choice C reason: Gastrointestinal obstruction is a condition that could be exacerbated by the administration of lipid emulsions. In cases of obstruction, enteral or parenteral nutrition may need to be carefully managed or avoided until the obstruction is resolved to prevent further complications. While lipid emulsions are a valuable component of parenteral nutrition, their use must be carefully considered in the context of the patient’s overall clinical condition. In the case of gastrointestinal obstruction, the nurse would be most concerned about the prescription of a lipid emulsion due to the potential for exacerbating the obstruction and complicating the patient’s condition.

Choice D reason: Chronic diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, but they do not directly contraindicate the use of lipid emulsions. However, the underlying cause of these symptoms should be addressed, and fluid and electrolyte balance should be carefully monitored.