The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving intravenous dopamine (Intropin). The nurse notes erythema and swelling at the IV insertion site. What is the nurse's initial action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Erythema and swelling at the IV site may indicate infiltration of the medication, which in the case of dopamine, can cause vasoconstriction and tissue necrosis. Phentolamine mesylate can be ordered as an antidote to reverse the effects of the medication and prevent tissue damage. Applying warm soaks may be helpful in some cases, but it is not the initial priority. Monitoring for hypertension and obtaining an ECG may be important in some cases, but they are not the initial priority when there is evidence of infiltration and tissue damage.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Receiving