While performing a routine assessment, a nurse notices fraying on the electrical cord of a client’s continuous passive motion (CPM) device.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

This prescription is complete because it includes the medication name, dose, route, and frequency. A complete prescription should also include the client’s name, date, time, signature of the prescriber, and any special instructions.

Choice A is wrong because it does not specify the dose of cimetidine.

PO twice daily is not enough information to administer the medication safely. Choice B is wrong because it does not specify the frequency of tetracycline.

200 mg PO is not enough information to administer the medication safely. Choice C is wrong because it does not specify the route of epoetin alfa.

150 units/kg three times weekly is not enough information to administer the medication safely.

Normal ranges for digoxin are 0.5 to 2 ng/mL for heart failure and 0.8 to 2 ng/mL for atrial fibrillation.

Normal ranges for cimetidine are 50 to 150 ng/mL. Normal ranges for tetracycline are 1 to 10 mcg/mL.

Normal ranges for epoetin alfa are not applicable as it is a synthetic hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

This will facilitate the insertion of the catheter and reduce the risk of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or hematoma. A straight vein will also allow the catheter to be inserted up to the hub, which reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter.

Choice A is wrong because selecting a site on the client’s dominant arm can interfere with the client’s mobility and increase the risk of dislodging the catheter. The nurse should choose a site on the client’s non-dominant arm, preferably on the hand or forearm.

Choice B is wrong because applying a tourniquet below the venipuncture site will impede blood flow and make it harder to locate a suitable vein. The nurse should apply a tourniquet above the venipuncture site, about 10 to 15 cm from the insertion site.

Choice C is wrong because elevating the client’s arm prior to insertion will decrease venous filling and make it harder to palpate a vein. The nurse should lower the client’s arm below the level of the heart to increase venous distension.

Normal ranges for IV catheter size and insertion angle depend on several factors, such as the type and duration of therapy, the condition and size of the vein, and the age and preference of the client.

In general, smaller gauge catheters (20 to 24) are preferred for peripheral IV therapy, and larger gauge catheters (14 to 18) are used for rapid fluid administration or blood transfusion. The insertion angle can vary from 10 to 30 degrees, depending on the depth and location of the vein.