Question

A nurse is assigned to care for a client with a peripheral IV infusion. The nurse is providing hygiene care to the client and would avoid which of the following while changing the client's hospital gown?

1. Using a hospital gown with snaps at the sleeves
2. Disconnecting the IV tubing from the catheter in the vein
3. Checking the IV flow rate immediately after changing the hospital gown
4. Putting the bag and tubing through the sleeve, followed by the client's arm

Answer 1

A nurse should avoid disconnecting the IV tubing when changing a client's gown to prevent the risk of infection, instead using gowns with snaps and checking the flow rate after gown change.

Step-by-step explanation:

When changing a hospital gown for a client with a peripheral IV infusion, a nurse should avoid disconnecting the IV tubing from the catheter in the vein. This action can increase the risk of introducing an infection to the IV site. It is important to maintain aseptic technique and minimize the risk of infection, as demonstrated by the simple checklist approach advocated by Dr. Peter Pronovost for preventing infections in ICU patients. A hospital gown with snaps at the sleeves, careful attention to the IV and checking the flow rate after changing the gown, and guiding the IV bag and tubing, followed by the client's arm through the sleeve, are all appropriate steps to take during this process.