A 35-year-old client with a three-day history of vomiting is admitted with dehydration. The provider prescribes 1 liter of normal saline solution to infuse over 4 hours. As the nurse prepares to insert an intravenous (IV) catheter, she’s unable to palpate the vein at the intended insertion site. How does the nurse proceed?

Position the extremity lower than the heart for several minutes. If unable to palpate the patient’s vein for IV catheter insertion, the nurse should position the client’s extremity lower than the heart for several minutes to promote dilation. Alternatively, the nurse should apply heat (not cold) to the extremity for about 10 to 15 minutes, lightly stroke the vein downward (not upward), or instruct the client to open and close his fist several times.

A 35-year-old client with a three-day history of vomiting is admi...

NCLEX Practice
Categories
Physiological Adaptation
View Question

Category: Physiological Adaptation
Difficulty: 3

Topics: Cardiovascular Routes of Administration

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Additional Physiological Adaptation Questions

Which statement is true regarding the neonate's immune system?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 4

A patient with epilepsy asks whether he will know if a seizure is coming on. The nurse replies with which statement?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 7

Which radiologic finding indicates frontal sinusitis?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 6

Show Calculator

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Physiological Adaptation Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX