Hesi Cat
Hesi Cat ( 79 Questions)
A client returns to the acute care unit following surgery with 0.9% normal saline infusing at 45 drops/minute through tubing with a drop factor of 60 drops per ml. The postoperative prescriptions include 0.9% normal saline at 75 ml/hour to alternate with Lactated Ringer's solution at 75 ml/hour. An intravenous infusion pump is not available. What action should the nurse implement?
Changing the normal saline to a keep-open rate (KVO) is not appropriate in this situation, as the client has specific fluid orders that need to be followed, and a KVO rate would not provide the prescribed maintenance fluids.
Increasing the rate of the present normal saline infusion to 75 drops per minute would not meet the prescription for 0.9% normal saline at 75 ml/hour.
Adjusting the rate this way would require an infusion pump.
Leaving the normal saline at the current rate until an infusion pump is available is the most appropriate action. It ensures that the client continues to receive fluids at the ordered rate until the necessary equipment is in place.
Switching the saline to Lactated Ringer's solution infusing at 75 drops per minute would not meet the prescribed rate for the normal saline solution. The nurse should follow the specific orders provided.
Choice A: Changing the normal saline to a keep-open rate (KVO) is not appropriate in this situation, as the client has specific fluid orders that need to be followed, and a KVO rate would not provide the prescribed maintenance fluids.
Choice B: Increasing the rate of the present normal saline infusion to 75 drops per minute would not meet the prescription for 0.9% normal saline at 75 ml/hour.
Adjusting the rate this way would require an infusion pump.
Choice C: Leaving the normal saline at the current rate until an infusion pump is available is the most appropriate action. It ensures that the client continues to receive fluids at the ordered rate until the necessary equipment is in place.
Choice D: Switching the saline to Lactated Ringer's solution infusing at 75 drops per minute would not meet the prescribed rate for the normal saline solution. The nurse should follow the specific orders provided.