A client diagnosed with an acute pulmonary embolism is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin via a single peripheral catheter. The healthcare provider prescribes a scheduled dose of intravenous vancomycin to treat a concurrent soft tissue infection. A review of the medication reference guide indicates that heparin and vancomycin are physically incompatible. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
- AAttach the vancomycin to the Y-site port closest to the client's insertion site.
- Establish a separate peripheral intravenous catheter to administer the vancomycin.Cevap
- CCalculate a rapid infusion rate to administer the vancomycin over 15 minutes to minimize heparin interruption.
- DInsert an inline filter into the primary tubing and infuse both medications concurrently.
Cevap
Establish a separate peripheral intravenous catheter to administer the vancomycin.
Unfractionated heparin is a high-alert medication used to maintain vital anticoagulation in an acute pulmonary embolism. Interrupting this continuous infusion for the 60 to 90 minutes required to safely administer vancomycin could cause life-threatening thrombus extension. Because the medications are physically incompatible and cannot be mixed in the same line without forming a dangerous precipitate, the nurse must establish a second intravenous access site to administer the vancomycin safely while maintaining the continuous heparin therapy.
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Anahtar Kavram
Management of physically incompatible intravenous medications in clients requiring continuous high-alert infusions.