A client in the intensive care unit is receiving a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of norepinephrine at via a single-lumen peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) for septic shock. The client's current mean arterial pressure (MAP) is . The healthcare provider prescribes a stat dose of IV push hydrocortisone. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?
- APause the norepinephrine infusion, flush the PICC with of sodium chloride, administer the hydrocortisone, and flush again.
- BDilute the hydrocortisone in of sodium chloride and infuse it as a secondary piggyback into the PICC line.
- Establish a separate peripheral intravenous catheter to administer the hydrocortisone.Cevap
- DAdminister the hydrocortisone over through the Y-site closest to the client while the norepinephrine continues to infuse.
Cevap
The most appropriate action is to establish a separate peripheral intravenous catheter to administer the hydrocortisone.
Vasoactive medications like norepinephrine have a very short half-life and potent hemodynamic effects. They require a dedicated intravenous line to maintain a steady, precisely titrated state. Flushing the line or pushing medications through the same lumen displaces the highly concentrated vasopressor residing in the catheter's dead space, delivering a rapid, potentially lethal bolus to the client. Additionally, pausing the infusion causes immediate hypotension. Therefore, the safest action is to establish a new peripheral intravenous catheter for any additional medications.
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Anahtar Kavram
Safe administration of parenteral therapies requires a dedicated intravenous line for continuous vasoactive medications (like norepinephrine) to prevent unintended boluses and sudden hemodynamic collapse.