Intravenous Therapy: Initiation

When selecting a potential IV site on an older adult patient, the nurse should consider which information?

B. Dorsal veins in the hands should be avoided if possible.

The nurse is making initial rounds. When assessing the patient, the nurse notices that the IV site is swollen and cool to the touch and that the flow rate is very slow. What is the most likely cause?

B. Infiltration

After two unsuccessful attempts to insert an IV catheter in an older adult patient, the nurse should take which action?

D. Ask another nurse to attempt an insertion.

When looking for a well-dilated vein in which to insert an IV catheter, the nurse keeps the extremity in a dependent position and applies heat. What is another technique that the nurse might use?

A. Stroke the extremity from distal to proximal below the proposed venipuncture site.

Which step should the nurse include when inserting an ONC?

A. Advance the catheter until the hub rests at the venipuncture site.

Which action is appropriate for the nurse who is preparing to insert an IV catheter in a 9-year-old child?

A. Allow the child to select the IV site.

After placing an IV catheter in a patient's forearm, the nurse should take which action to secure it in place?

A. Apply a catheter stabilization device.

Which step should the nurse include when preparing for IV catheter insertion?

A. Apply a tourniquet above the selected site.

After inserting an ONC through the skin and into the vein, the nurse should take which action?

C. Check for blood return in the flashback chamber.

An obese patient who had a right mastectomy several years ago has better veins in her right hand but is left handed. Where should the nurse place the IV catheter?

C. In her left lower arm

The charge nurse is evaluating a new nurse's ability to insert an IV catheter. Which action by the new nurse may indicate the need for more education?

D. Applying the tourniquet as tightly as possible