The nurse is discontinuing a client’s IV line in preparation for the c

The nurse is discontinuing a client’s IV line in preparation for the client’s discharge home. Upon withdrawing the cannula from the peripheral site, the nurse notes that the tip of the cannula is missing. The first thing that the nurse should do is:

1. Notify the health care provider immediately
2. Apply pressure to the IV site
3. Apply a tourniquet high on the extremity
4. Ask another nurse to double-check the cannula

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The first priority of the nurse is to apply a tourniquet high on the extremity to restrict mobility of catheter embolus. The health care provider needs to be notified after the tourniquet is applied.