Final answer:
The nurse should refer to an IV compatibility chart and consider additional IV access, a peripheral line, or a Y-site connector based on compatibility. For medication preparation, dilution calculations are often required. Isotonic solutions maintain electrolyte balance and fluid viscosity affects infusion rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate action when a client with diabetic ketoacidosis is receiving new prescriptions for continuously infused medications is to refer to an IV compatibility chart. This is essential to ensure that the medications can be mixed without causing any adverse reactions or affecting the efficacy of the drugs.
If the medications are not compatible, it may be necessary to request that an additional IV access be inserted to administer the medications separately. Utilizing a Y-site connector is only appropriate if the medications are known to be compatible when infused together.
The establishment of a peripheral intravenous access may be considered as well, depending on the patient's condition, the medication administration, and the number of available lumens in the central venous access device. In emergency situations, such as a physician ordering an intravenous (IV) delivery of 0.5% KCl for a patient with hypokalemia, the preparation of the IV solution may require dilution calculation.
The aide would use a stock solution of KCl to create the correct concentration by adding it to a sterile IV bag. Similarly, for rehydration, isotonic solutions like normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution are administered to match the electrolyte concentration of the body fluids.
The viscosity of fluids can also affect the infusion rate, as seen when comparing the flow rate between glucose and whole blood infusions.