EduNurse ITS

Karen is a 55-year-old female client in the medical-surgical unit. She arrived this afternoon with uncontrolled vomiting. She received oral antiemetics in the ED, with no effect. During your admission assessment, Karen states, “I feel so terrible. My stomach is turning constantly; I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday morning, and I have only sipped a little water here and there. I’m worried about becoming dehydrated. Whatever they gave me in the Emergency Department didn’t help at all. Can’t you give me something that will work more quickly?” You note that Karen is pale, and her lips are dry. She closes her eyes frequently and is holding her stomach. After arriving on the unit an hour ago, she has vomited a small amount of clear liquid. Karen has a history of chronic kidney disease and biweekly dialysis, as well as depression. You immediately call the doctor on call for further orders. The MD gives you the following orders: - Start a peripheral IV STAT - Administer ondansetron 8 mg IV now - Start NaCl 0.9% IV at 500 mL/hr. What will you consider when initiating an IV for Karen?