The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV therapy at a rate of 10 mL/hour. The 500 mL IV bottle was hung at 0900 Monday morning when the IV catheter was initiated. It is now 0900 on Tuesday morning. What nursing action should be taken?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 500 mL IV bottle was hung at 0900 Monday morning, and it has been 24 hours since the start of the IV therapy. At a rate of 10 mL/hour, only 240 mL of fluid has been infused, leaving 260 mL of fluid remaining in the bottle. IV fluid bags or bottles are only good for a maximum of 24 hours once they are spiked, due to concerns about bacterial growth and contamination. Therefore, the remaining IV fluid should be discarded, and a new bag hung to continue the IV therapy.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Receiving