Author Question: Which action can the registered nurse (RN) who is caring for a critically ill patient with multiple ... (Read 87 times)

cnetterville · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which action can the registered nurse (RN) who is caring for a critically ill patient with multiple IV lines delegate to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?

a. Administer IV antibiotics through the implantable port.
b. Monitor the IV sites for redness, swelling, or tenderness.
c. Remove the patient's nontunneled subclavian central venous catheter.
d. Adjust the flow rate of the 0.9 normal saline in the peripheral IV line.

Question 2

A patient is admitted to the emergency department with severe fatigue and confusion. Laboratory studies are done. Which laboratory value will require the most immediate action by the nurse?

a. Arterial blood pH is 7.32.
b. Serum calcium is 18 mg/dL.
c. Serum potassium is 5.1 mEq/L.
d. Arterial oxygen saturation is 91.

raenoj · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
An experienced LPN/LVN has the education, experience, and scope of practice to monitor IV sites for signs of infection. Administration of medications, adjustment of infusion rates, and removal of central catheters in critically ill patients require RN level education and scope of practice.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The serum calcium is well above the normal level and puts the patient at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring and notify the health care provider. The potassium, oxygen saturation, and pH are also abnormal, and the nurse should notify the health care provider about these values as well, but they are not immediately life threatening.