Four clients are scheduled to receive IV infusions, but there are only three intravenous (IV) pumps available. Which prescribed infusion can most safely be administered without an IV infusion pump?

Choice A reason: Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that can be given by gravity infusion without an IV pump, as long as the nurse monitors the flow rate and adjusts the roller clamp as needed. The dose and duration of ceftriaxone are usually fixed and not affected by minor fluctuations in the infusion rate.

Choice B reason: Heparin is an anticoagulant that requires a precise and constant infusion rate to prevent bleeding or clotting complications. An IV pump is essential to deliver heparin safely and accurately.

Choice C reason: Magnesium is an electrolyte that can cause serious adverse effects such as cardiac arrhythmias,
respiratory depression, and muscle weakness if infused too rapidly or too slowly. An IV pump is necessary to control the infusion rate and prevent magnesium toxicity or deficiency.

Choice D reason: Regular insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and requires careful titration based on frequent blood glucose monitoring. An IV pump is required to deliver insulin at a consistent and adjustable rate to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Choice A Reason: Instructing UAPs to transfer all non-ambulatory clients via wheelchairs is not a good intervention, as it may expose the clients and the UAPs to smoke and fire, and cause panic and congestion in the hallways. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish), which means rescuing only those clients who are in immediate danger, and containing the fire by closing doors and windows.

Choice B Reason: Instructing the nursing staff to evacuate ambulatory clients to the nearest fire exits is not a good intervention, as it may also expose the clients and the staff to smoke and fire, and interfere with the fire

department's efforts. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol, which means evacuating only as a last resort, and only after receiving instructions from the fire department.

Choice C Reason: Shutting all doors to client rooms and telling everyone to stay in their rooms until the fire

department arrives is the best intervention, as it follows the RACE protocol, which means containing the fire by closing doors and windows, and extinguishing it if possible with a fire extinguisher. This intervention also helps protect the clients and staff from smoke inhalation and fire spread, and allows the fire department to access and control the fire.

Choice D Reason: Announcing in a calm voice that all visitors should proceed immediately to the first floor via the service elevators is not a good intervention, as it may endanger the visitors and cause more damage. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol, which means alarming others by activating the fire alarm system and calling 911. The charge nurse should also instruct visitors not to use elevators during a fire, as they may malfunction or trap them inside.