Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Kidneys and Ureters Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Kidneys and Ureters related questions and content

A client is administered dialystate solution through an abdominal catheter. The nurse notices that the return flow rate is slow, so the nurse advises the client to move to the other side. However, even after changing the client's position, the nurse does not observe an increase in return flow. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform to help accelerate the return flow rate?

  • A. Disconnect the catheter and repay.
  • B. Loosen the tubing clamp.
  • C. Inform the physician that catheter may need repositioning.
  • D. Stop the process for 5 minutes and resume later.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse instills dialystate solution and clamps the tubing. If the return flow rate is slow, the nurse asks the client to move from side to side. If this maneuver is unsuccessful, the physician may need to reposition the catheter. The nurse should not tamper with the catheter settings because this may worsen the client's condition or damage the apparatus. Also, stopping the process and resuming it after 5 minutes will not help increase the return flow of the dialystate.