Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is preparing to initiate intravenous fluids via pump for a client.which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The nurse should choose option B: Ensure the IV tubing is primed and free of air bubbles before connecting it to the client. This is crucial to prevent air embolism, which can be life-threatening. Priming the tubing ensures that only fluid is infused into the client's bloodstream. Air bubbles can travel to the heart and lungs, causing blockages and impairing circulation. Positioning the IV pump below the client's heart (option C) is incorrect as it can lead to rapid infusion and potential complications. Selecting a catheter gauge of 12 (option D) is not always necessary; the appropriate gauge depends on the client's condition and prescribed therapy. Obtaining a surge protector (option A) is irrelevant to the safe administration of IV therapy.