ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 1 Related

Review ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 1 related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration. The client has a peripheral IV and a prescription for an infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride 1,000 mL with 40 mEq potassium chloride to infuse over 1 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

  • A. Teach the client to report findings of IV extravasation
  • B. Evaluate the patency of the IV
  • C. Consult with the pharmacist about the prescription
  • D. Verify the prescription with the provider
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to verify the prescription with the provider. This is crucial to prevent injury from fluid volume overload and rapid potassium infusion. Verifying the prescription ensures that the correct solution, rate, and additives are ordered according to the client's condition. While evaluating the patency of the IV is important, verifying the prescription takes precedence to ensure patient safety. Consulting with the pharmacist can be beneficial, but confirming the prescription with the provider is the immediate priority. Teaching the client about IV extravasation is important but is not the first action the nurse should take in this scenario.