In: Nursing
while caring for a 5 year old child who is receiving IV fluid therapy at a rate of 100 ml/hr the nurse notes that the infusion is running slowly. The insertion site appears slightly reddened and swelled what should the nurse do nest
Answer.
1. The first step in this case to stop infusion immediately
2. Apply warm or moist compresses to the area
3. Elevate the affected site as much as possible to reduce swelling.
4. If needed, insert a new line at different site possibly on opposite arm. Use a larger vein or small size cannula for to restart infusion.
5. Inform the doctor regarding the condition,may suggest some antidote like hyaluronidase which will help to breakdown subcutaneous cellular components to promote the reabsorption of fluid in the case of severe problem.
6. Medications should be administered of needed within 24 hours for best result.
7. Gently handle the affected area for few reduce to reduce further damage of tissue.
8. Document the patient's condition and the interventions done in the nurses note.
9. As the patient is a five years old children, Infiltration may be due to the slipping out of cannula from the vein due to movements. So proper fixing of the cannula is important