Question

When monitoring a patient receiving intravenous therapy which of the following should be documented and reported immediately to the physician?

A) warmth, redness, and/or swelling at or around the IV insertion site.
B) unstable vital signs.
C) hypertension and/or shortness of breath.
D) All answers provided are correct.

Answer 1

When monitoring IV therapy, it is essential to report changes in blood pressure, blood flow, and blood return to the heart. Isotonic solutions are commonly used in IV therapy for hydration and treatment of certain conditions like hypokalemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

When monitoring a patient receiving intravenous therapy, it's crucial to document and report immediately any unusual changes, such as a blood pressure fluctuation within the vein, blood flow issues, or complications with the return of blood to the heart. Additionally, it's important to note if the IV solution is isotonic, like normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution, as this helps to maintain the equilibrium of the patient's body fluids. If a dehydrated patient requires IV therapy, they are typically given an isotonic saline solution to restore fluid balance effectively.

If a patient is suffering from hypokalemia, a condition indicative of low potassium levels, an IV solution such as 0.5% KCl may be administered. This specific requirement ensures that the patient's potassium levels are replenished. In such emergency situations, hospital staff are trained to respond swiftly to physician orders by preparing or retrieving the correct IV solution indicated for the patient's condition.