A client is admitted to the hospital for excessive nausea and vomiting,and a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg.A catheter of which gauge is most appropriate for the nurse to choose for this client's peripheral IV?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse selects the access device most appropriate for the designated purpose.In this case,because a large amount of fluid will be needed as a result of excessive fluid loss,the appropriate needle is the 20-gauge catheter IV,because this is the most commonly used size in adults and it can be used for all fluids.The 22- and 24-gauge catheters will have a slower rate of flow,which may not be desirable with excessive fluid losses and low blood pressure.The 18-gauge catheter allows rapid flow of IV fluids.However,it requires a large vein and is more prone to irritation to the vein wall.

A Client Is Admitted to the Hospital for Excessive Nausea