Question

While making rounds, a nurse observes that a client's primary bag of intravenous (iv) solution is light yellow. the label on the iv bag says the solution is d5w. what should the nurse do first?

Answer 1

Medication must be stopped and nurse should report the case to the doctor

Step-by-step explanation:

The solution of D5W or 5% of dextrose is always transparent and clear. If in any case the color of this solution changes, all medications must be stopped and the nurse must report this to the doctor for seeking his/her advice. The yellow color of the D5W solution represents the external sub particle or contamination of any other form. Continued medication with this D5W solution may be injurious to the patient and hence medication must be stopped.

Answer 2

Clearly, an IV solution of D5W (5% dextrose in water) is a clear solution, not light yellow. The nurse should check the patient's chart if the IV fluid ordered is really D5W. If it is confirmed that D5W is the IV fluid of the patient, then the nurse should replace the IV bag with a new one with clear contents and make an entry in the chart about what was observed and why the previous bag was replaced.