Nursing Care of Children ATI Related

Review Nursing Care of Children ATI related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?

  • A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
  • B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
  • C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
  • D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.