The client is receiving a hyperosmolar IV infusion through a peripheral IV. Which is the priority nursing intervention to prevent complications associated with this infusion?

Question

1. Dilute the medication.
2. Use an infusion pump.
3. Decrease infusion rate.
4. Intensify IV assessments.

Answer 1

3
3. The nurse decreases the infusion rate to prevent regional irritation from the hyper-osmolar medication because the IV medication is very concentrated. The concen-trated medication is irritating because it contains more particles of solute, each capa-ble of vein irritation; increasing the number and concentration of solute increases the risk of irritation. The nurse infuses hyperosmolar solutions very slowly through a pe-ripheral IV and infuses these solutions with a lower risk of phlebitis through a large, centrally located vein; however, central lines are associated with many other risks. Many hyperosmolar solutions are contraindicated for infusion though a peripheral IV, including hyperalimentation.
1. The nurse dilutes the medication according to provider, manufacturer, or pharmacy directions.
2. The nurse uses an infusion pump to control the infusion rate; however, the medica-tion can be infused slowly without an infusion pump but this is a high-risk interven-tion.
4. Increasing the intensity of the IV nursing assessments is a reasonable intervention; still, a proactive intervention is to control the infusion rate to prevent complications.