A client has orders for the administration of IV fluid at a “keep vein

A client has orders for the administration of IV fluid at a “keep vein open” rate in preparation for administration of IV antibiotics starting at noon. When the nurse goes to the room to start the IV, the UAP is preparing to bathe the client.

What should the nurse do?
1. Instruct the UAP to wait until the IV is started to bathe the client.
2. Let the UAP start the bath on the opposite side of where the nurse will be starting the IV.
3. Tell the UAP to notify the nurse as soon as the bath is completed.
4. Give the UAP permission to skip the client’s bath for today.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Because this IV is being initiated to support the administration of IV antibiotic therapy that is not scheduled to start until noon, the nurse should let the UAP give the bath and then start the IV.
Rationale 2: Having the UAP bathing one side of the client while the nurse starts the IV on the opposite side would be uncomfortable and stressful for the client and could potentially compromise client modesty. This action would also not protect the IV site from movement while the UAP completes the bath.
Rationale 3: Because this IV is being initiated to support the administration of IV antibiotic therapy that is not scheduled to start until noon, the nurse should let the UAP give the bath and then start the IV. This will protect the IV site from movement during the bath.
Rationale 4: There is no reason to skip the bath.