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Difficulty: EasyPharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed intravenous (IV) push medication through a client's peripheral saline lock. Place the following steps in the correct chronological order for safe administration.

  1. 1Assess the peripheral IV insertion site for any signs of complications.
  2. 2Scrub the needleless connector port of the saline lock with an antimicrobial swab.
  3. 3Attach a syringe and flush the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride to confirm patency.
  4. 4Inject the prescribed medication at the recommended rate.
  5. 5Flush the catheter again with 0.9% sodium chloride at the same rate the medication was administered.

Answer

The correct sequence is to assess the IV site, scrub the connector port, flush with saline to check patency, administer the medication, and flush with saline again to clear the line.
The correct sequence for administering an IV push medication through an intermittent device is known as the SAS method (Saline, Administer, Saline), preceded by critical safety and hygiene assessments. The nurse must first assess the site for complications. Next, the hub must be scrubbed for infection control. A pre-flush of normal saline follows to ensure the line is patent and ready. The medication is then administered at the correct rate. Finally, a post-flush of normal saline is administered at the same rate as the medication to clear the line and ensure the full dose is delivered.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the peripheral IV insertion site for any signs of complications.
The nurse confirms the IV site is free of redness, swelling, pain, or leakage.
Administering medication into a compromised or infiltrated IV site can cause severe tissue damage (extravasation) or fail to deliver the drug systemically.
2
Scrub the needleless connector port of the saline lock with an antimicrobial swab.
The entry point is disinfected.
Rigorous scrubbing of the hub prevents the introduction of microorganisms directly into the client's bloodstream.
3
Attach a syringe and flush the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride to confirm patency.
The line flushes easily without resistance or patient discomfort.
This confirms the line is patent and clears any existing fluid that might be incompatible with the new medication.
4
Inject the prescribed medication at the recommended rate.
The medication is delivered safely into the bloodstream.
Therapeutic delivery of the drug requires adhering to safe push rates to avoid toxicity or speed shock.
5
Flush the catheter again with 0.9% sodium chloride at the same rate the medication was administered.
The medication is cleared from the tubing and the lock is maintained.
The final flush ensures the entire dose reaches the central circulation and prevents medication from lingering in the catheter, which could cause occlusion.

Key Concept

Safe administration of IV push medications via a peripheral saline lock utilizing the SAS (Saline-Administer-Saline) method.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

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