The nurse observes fine white crystals in the IV tubing infusing an antibiotic. Which should the nurse implement?

Question

1. Tell client this is a common occurrence.
2. Stop the infusion and notify the provider.
3. Flush tubing with normal saline solution.
4. Attach a 0.22-micrometer inline IV filter.

Answer 1

2
2. White crystals in IV tubing indicate precipitation of a substance in the infusion, most likely the medication because it is the solute with the highest concentration in the solution. If the crystals enter the client, they can behave like emboli and occlude tiny vessels in addition to causing regional irritation. At a minimum, the crystals usually occlude the IV. The nurse stops the infusion, discards the IV tubing, checks to ensure compatibility of all agents in the infusion, and notifies the provider. The IV access potentially needs to be changed.
1. The nurse avoids telling the client that this is a common occurrence because it is a complication of an IV infusion.
3. The nurse avoids flushing the tubing because injecting a fluid bolus increases the risk of infusing a crystal into the client.
4. The nurse uses an IV filter when indicated for effective therapy.