John

I would like recommendations for the treatment of an infiltrated IV consisting of D5 1/3ns with 40 MEQ KCL that was running at 125cc/hr. The patient was 85 years old, non-responsive in an emaciated condition. The affected arm was swollen from wrist to shoulder about 4 to 5 times the size of the unaffected arm. Weeping was present on much of the arm and decreased circulation was noted in the hand. Other data: Patient Weight = 100lbs K+ = 2.8 on admit IV has been running for 14 hours Patient is on NG tube feeding at 40 cc/hr I was asked for my opinion. My thoughts include: Warm towel and elevate arm to enhance circulation and reabsorbtion of infiltrated fluid. Restart iv in unaffected arm. Contact MD for further treatment orders. Questions for MD would include: Is IV rate too high Need for pain medication Document above Complete Incident Report My supervisor made the decision to override my suggestions. Treatment used was an ice pack The MD was not notified. No incident report was made. Documentation in the chart indicates a routine infiltration and restarted IV. Patient outcome is still pending. I would like comments on was my plan correct? What should I do now?