A patient is receiving an intravenous (IV) solution delivered by an electronic control device. The alarm begins sounding, and the display panel indicates occlusion. The nurse pushes the alarm silence button, but the alarm quickly resumes
Which of the following actions should be taken first?
a. Notify the physician.
b. Check for kinking of the tubing or a closed clamp.
c. Turn off the IV solution, and gently flush the line with 3 mL of saline flush solution.
d. Decrease the rate to 10 mL/hr, and flush the line with 1 mL of heparin solution.
ANS: B
A kink in the tubing or closed clamp is often the reason for occlusion and can be easily remedied. Flushing tubing can dislodge a clot into systemic circulation. There is no reason to notify the physician.
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