A nurse is assisting a client to change a soiled hospital gown. The client has a continuous peripheral intravenous (IV) infusion in the right forearm. In what order should the nurse perform the following actions? (Arrange the steps from first to last.)
- 1Remove the sleeve of the soiled gown from the client's left arm.
- 2Slide the soiled gown down the right arm and pass the IV fluid bag through the sleeve.
- 3Pass the IV fluid bag through the right sleeve of the clean gown and rehang it on the pole.
- 4Carefully guide the client's right arm and the IV tubing into the sleeve of the clean gown.
- 5Assist the client to place their left arm into the remaining sleeve and secure the gown's ties.
Answer
The correct sequence is to undress the unaffected (left) arm first, then remove the gown from the affected (right) arm by threading the IV bag through the sleeve. Next, the clean gown is prepared by threading the IV bag through the right sleeve, followed by dressing the affected arm, and finally dressing the unaffected arm.
When a client has an IV line, the primary principle of dressing and undressing is to undress the unaffected arm first and dress the affected arm first. This provides maximum slack in the garment and minimizes tension on the IV site. Furthermore, to prevent infection, the IV system must remain closed at all times. Disconnecting the IV tubing to change a gown is strictly contraindicated; instead, the IV fluid bag must be passed through the gown sleeves.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Maintaining a closed intravenous system while assisting with hygiene and gown changes.