The IV infusion pump for a patient receiving an IV therapy begins to alarm and displays occlusion. When the silence button is pushed, the alarm quickly resumes. Which action should the nurse take first?
Turn off the IV solution and gently flush the line with 3 mL of saline flush solution.
Decrease the rate to 10 mL/hr and flush the line with 1 mL of heparin solution.
Notify the physician
Check for kinking of the tubing or a closed clamp.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Turn off the IV solution and gently flush the line with 3 mL of saline flush solution: This may be necessary later if the occlusion is not resolved by troubleshooting, but the first action should be to check the tubing and clamp for any obstructions.
B. Decrease the rate to 10 mL/hr and flush the line with 1 mL of heparin solution: This is not appropriate as an initial action. Heparin flushes are generally used for maintaining patency in central lines and are not indicated for occlusions caused by tubing issues.
C. Notify the physician: While important if the issue persists, this is not the first action. The nurse should attempt to resolve the problem independently first.
D. Check for kinking of the tubing or a closed clamp: This is the first action the nurse should take. Most occlusions are due to kinking in the tubing or a closed clamp, and resolving this issue may immediately restore the flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["120"]
Explanation
To calculate the IV flow rate, the following formula is used:
Flowrate(gtt/min) = Volume /Time× Dropfactor(gtt/mL)
Given:
- Volume = 120 mL
- Time = 60 minutes (since 1 hour = 60 minutes)
- Drop factor = 60 gtt/mL
Flowrate(gtt/min)= 12060× 60
= 2 × 60
=120gtt/min
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Provide oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula: Although oxygen might be helpful later, the patient currently has a good oxygen saturation (95%). The priority is to ease breathing and reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.
B. Provide a urinal and encourage the patient to void: While voiding might help reduce fluid volume, repositioning the patient to improve breathing is more urgent.
C. Place the patient in a high Fowler position: This position maximizes lung expansion, improves oxygenation, and helps alleviate dyspnea caused by fluid overload.
D. Lay the patient flat in bed to listen to bowel sounds: Placing the patient flat can worsen pulmonary symptoms by allowing fluid to shift toward the lungs.
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