Question

The nurse is preparing to insert an intravenous catheter in a thin, emaciated patient who is scheduled to begin intravenous fluid therapy. Which interventions should the nurse follow to provide high-quality care?

1) Insert an 18 gauge IV catheter
2) Change the intravenous line every 7 days
3) Insert the intravenous catheter in the patient's femur
4) D. Flush the intravenous line with normal saline
5) Stop the insertion procedure when there is a break in technique

Answer 1

When preparing to insert an intravenous catheter in a thin, emaciated patient, the nurse should choose an appropriate size IV catheter, change the line regularly, use a suitable vein, flush the line with normal saline, and maintain proper hand hygiene and aseptic technique.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing to insert an intravenous catheter in a thin, emaciated patient, the nurse should follow the following interventions to provide high-quality care:

1. Choose an appropriate gauge IV catheter based on the patient's condition, but it is unlikely to be an 18 gauge which is a larger size. A smaller gauge (e.g., 20 or 22) may be more suitable for a thin patient.
2. Change the intravenous line according to the hospital's policy and guidelines, which is usually every 72-96 hours rather than every 7 days.
3. Insert the intravenous catheter in a suitable vein such as the forearm or hand, not in the femur which is a large bone in the leg.
4. Flush the intravenous line with normal saline before and after medication administration to maintain patency and prevent infection.
5. Ensure proper hand hygiene and maintain aseptic technique throughout the insertion procedure to prevent contamination and infection.