A client with total parenteral nutrition complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse suspects air embolism. Which of the following is the initial action of the nurse?
A)Notify the physician.
B)Clamp the intravenous catheter.
C)Place the client in left-side lying position.
D)Administer oxygen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial action of the nurse is to clamp the intravenous catheter. Options A, C, and D are done when air embolism is suspected but they are not the initial action of the nurse. Air embolism may be prevented by instructing the client to perform Valsalva's maneuver and by placing the client in a head down position during tubing and cap changes.

A Client with Total Parenteral Nutrition Complains of Chest Pain