A nurse responds to an IV pump alarm related to increased pressure. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Check for kinking of the catheter.
b. Flush the catheter with a thrombolytic enzyme.
c. Get a new infusion pump.
d. Remove the IV catheter.
ANS: A
Fluid flow through the infusion system requires that pressure on the external side be greater than pressure at the catheter tip. Fluid flow can be slowed for many reasons. A common reason, and one that is easy to correct, is a kinked catheter. If this is not the cause of the pressure alarm, the nurse may have to ascertain whether a clot has formed inside the catheter lumen, or if the pump is no longer functional. Removal of the IV catheter and placement of a new IV catheter should be completed when no other option has resolved the problem.
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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word