Which action by the graduate nurse requires immediate intervention by the experienced nurse?

Which action by the graduate nurse requires immediate intervention by the experienced nurse?

• A. Administering a routine IV flush per protocol
• B. Documenting vital signs correctly
• C. Performing hand hygiene before exam
• D. Inflating the balloon on the pulmonary artery catheter using a new 10 mL syringe

Answer: (D)

Inflating the balloon on a pulmonary artery catheter with a large syringe is unsafe because the balloon requires a very small, precisely measured volume of air. A 10 mL syringe delivers far more air than the balloon can safely hold, risking overinflation or rupture, catheter damage, or an air embolism. This is an emergent issue that needs immediate correction by the experienced nurse to prevent serious complications. Routine actions like IV flushes, accurate vital signs documentation, and proper hand hygiene are appropriate standard practices and not urgent interventions.

Inflating the balloon on a pulmonary artery catheter with a large syringe is unsafe because the balloon requires a very small, precisely measured volume of air. A 10 mL syringe delivers far more air than the balloon can safely hold, risking overinflation or rupture, catheter damage, or an air embolism. This is an emergent issue that needs immediate correction by the experienced nurse to prevent serious complications. Routine actions like IV flushes, accurate vital signs documentation, and proper hand hygiene are appropriate standard practices and not urgent interventions.