The nurse plans to start an IV line to infuse 2 units of packed red blood cells for a stable 42-year-old client with a gastrointestinal bleed. Which IV catheter size is best? A)14-gauge B)18-gauge C)20-gauge D)22-gauge

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When selecting catheter size, the need for rapid fluid administration and the type of fluid administered versus client discomfort should be assessed. A lower IV catheter gauge number corresponds to a larger bore IV catheter. A 14-gauge (large-bore) catheter may be used for administering fluids and drugs in an emergency or prehospital setting, or for hypovolemic shock (Option A).In somewhat stable adult clients who require large amounts of fluids or blood, an 18-gauge catheter is preferred. A 14-gauge (large-bore) catheter may be used for administering fluids and drugs in an emergency or prehospital setting, or for hypovolemic shock (Option A). In somewhat stable adult clients who require large amounts of fluids or blood, an 18-gauge catheter is preferred. (Options C and D) A 20-22-gauge catheter is sufficient for administering general IV fluids and medications to adult clients; a 20-gauge is acceptable for blood transfusion. However, 20-22-gauge is not preferred for blood administration. A 24-gauge catheter is recommended for children and some older adults with small, fragile veins. Educational objective: A 14-gauge (large-bore) catheter is used to administer fluids and drugs in a prehospital or emergency setting, or for hypovolemic shock. An 18-gauge catheter is typically indicated for infusing blood or large amounts of fluid in adults.

The Nurse Plans to Start an IV Line to Infuse