NCLEX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Related

Review NCLEX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies related questions and content

When administering intravenous electrolyte solution, the nurse should take which of the following precautions?

  • A. Infuse hypertonic solutions rapidly.
  • B. Mix no more than 80 mEq of potassium per liter of fluid.
  • C. Prevent infiltration of calcium, which causes tissue necrosis and sloughing.
  • D. As appropriate, reevaluate the client's digitalis dosage. He might need an increased dosage because IV calcium diminishes digitalis's action.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Preventing tissue infiltration is important to avoid tissue necrosis. Choice A is incorrect because hypertonic solutions should be infused cautiously and checked with the RN if there is a concern. Choice B is incorrect because potassium, mixed in the pharmacy per physician order, is mixed at a concentration no higher than 60 mEq/L.