The nurse is preparing to restart a patient's intravenous line and discovers that the patient has no usable veins in either arm. When working to solve this problem, the nurse should carry out which action?
A) Discuss the problem with the nurse in charge.
B) Not start the intravenous line.
C) Conduct an Internet search for infusion journal articles.
D) Contact the provider and report the concern.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Whether in an academic setting or in the clinical area, discussion of a problem, issue, or situation with colleagues may improve critical thinking. Through dialogue with others who have expertise or experience with the issue being faced, knowledge gaps can be filled, erroneous assumptions exposed, and unconscious biases addressed. Not starting the intravenous line is not an option at this point. A literature review to gain published information about intravenous complications may be appropriate after the patient's concern has been addressed. Initially contacting the provider without fully exploring the options for alternate insertion sites is neither wise nor recommended.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Restart a Patient's Intravenous Line