A nurse is transcribing a client’s prescription for erythromycin 500mg four times per day. Which of the following information should the nurse clarify with the provider?

A) Document the infiltration: While documentation is an important part of the nursing process, it is not the first action to take. If an infiltration is suspected, the priority is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent further harm or fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues. Once the infusion is stopped, the nurse can then document the infiltration for medical record purposes.

B) Elevate the arm: Elevating the arm can help reduce swelling, but this should not be the first step. The first priority when infiltration is suspected is to stop the infusion, as continuing it can worsen the tissue damage and swelling. After stopping the infusion, elevating the arm may be considered as part of the subsequent management of the infiltration.

C) Apply a warm compress: A warm compress may be helpful after stopping the infusion, particularly if the infiltration involves non-vesicant fluids. However, applying a warm compress is not the immediate action. The first step should be stopping the infusion to prevent any further fluid from infiltrating the tissues.

D) Stop the infusion: The most immediate and appropriate action when infiltration is noted around the IV insertion site is to stop the infusion. This prevents additional fluid from leaking into the surrounding tissues, which could cause further damage. Once the infusion is stopped, the nurse can take other steps to manage the infiltration, such as assessing the site, applying a warm compress, or notifying the healthcare provider.

A) Irregular heart rate: An irregular heart rate is a key manifestation of hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can interfere with the normal electrical activity of the heart, leading to arrhythmias, which can cause an irregular heart rate. In severe cases, hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac events such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole.

B) Dry mucous membrane: Dry mucous membranes are more commonly associated with dehydration, not hyperkalemia. Dehydration can cause fluid volume depletion, which leads to dry mouth and other signs of insufficient hydration. While renal failure can lead to fluid balance issues, dry mucous membranes are not typically linked to elevated potassium levels.

C) Trousseau's sign: Trousseau's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, not hyperkalemia. It is a spasm of the hand and wrist that occurs when a blood pressure cuff is inflated above systolic pressure for several minutes. This sign suggests low calcium levels, and while calcium imbalance can occur in renal failure, it is unrelated to hyperkalemia.

D) Hyperactive reflexes: Hyperactive reflexes are more commonly associated with conditions like hypocalcemia, rather than hyperkalemia. In hyperkalemia, the typical findings include muscle weakness or paralysis due to the effect of potassium on muscle and nerve function, but hyperactive reflexes would not be expected.