A nurse enters a client's room to check on the intravenous infusion. An electronic infusion device is not being used. When checking the solution container and rate, the nurse notes that the fluid is infusing at a rate slower than intended. When assessing the client, which finding would the nurse identify as most likely contributing to the slowed rate of infusion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the extremity is elevated, such as the client resting the arm on the head, the fluid will infuse more slowly. Kinked or obstructed tubing (not visible and running freely), a patent catheter (such that the fluid is infusing), and the height of the solution container (such as when the client gets up and walks in the hall pushing the IV pole with the hand containing the IV) are factors that would contribute to a slowed rate.

A Nurse Enters a Client's Room to Check on the Intravenous