Question

A nurse is administering IV fluids to a client. When monitoring for adverse effects, which assessments should the nurse identify as a priority?

Answer 1

When administering IV fluids, priority assessments include monitoring vital signs, checking for infiltration or phlebitis, monitoring electrolyte levels, and assessing neurological function to quickly detect and respond to any adverse effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is administering IV fluids to a patient, there are several assessments that should be prioritized for monitoring adverse effects. It is critical for the nurse to monitor a patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, as changes can indicate potential complications like fluid overload or allergic reactions. Additionally, checking for signs of infiltration or phlebitis at the IV site, monitoring electrolyte levels, and assessing the patient's overall neurological function are important to ensure the patient is tolerating the fluid well and to prevent or identify adverse effects promptly. In particular, signs of hypotension, fever, or changes in mental status such as confusion suggest urgent complications that need immediate attention. A response to emergencies, such as hypotension or suspected disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which could lead to kidney failure and death, requires swift action.