A nurse is caring for a client admitted with pneumonia who has a continuous, compatible 0.9% sodium chloride infusion running at 75 mL/hr. The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed intravenous (IV) push dose of dexamethasone. In which order should the nurse perform the following actions? Arrange the steps from first to last.
- 1Clean the Y-site injection port closest to the client with an antiseptic wipe.
- 2Attach the syringe containing the prepared medication to the injection port.
- 3Pinch the primary intravenous tubing just above the injection port.
- 4Inject the medication slowly over the recommended amount of time.
- 5Release the primary tubing to allow the continuous infusion to flush the line.
Answer
The correct sequence is: clean the port closest to the client, attach the medication syringe, pinch the primary tubing above the port, inject the medication slowly, and finally release the tubing to allow the primary fluid to flush the line.
Administering an IV push medication through a compatible continuous infusion requires a specific sequence to ensure safety and efficacy. Infection control comes first by cleaning the port. The syringe is then attached. The nurse must pinch the tubing above the port to ensure the medication flows toward the client, not back up the tubing. The medication is then injected at a safe rate. Finally, releasing the tubing allows the continuous fluid to flush the line, ensuring the complete dose reaches the client.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Administration of Intravenous Push Medications via Continuous Infusion