During an infusion, which action is appropriate if the patient develops dyspnea?

During an infusion, which action is appropriate if the patient develops dyspnea?

• A. Increase infusion rate
• B. Continue infusion and monitor
• C. Stop the infusion and assess; call for help as needed
• D. Switch to oral therapy

Answer: (C)

When dyspnea develops during an infusion, the priority is to stop the infusion immediately to limit further exposure to the potentially offending drug or fluid. Then assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Check breathing effort and oxygen saturation, listen for wheezes or signs of airway compromise, and monitor vital signs. Provide supplemental oxygen if needed and position the patient to facilitate breathing. Call for help and notify the prescriber or rapid response as appropriate. Keep IV access available for potential emergency medications and fluids, and be prepared to initiate treatment for an acute reaction, such as anaphylaxis, if symptoms suggest it. Reassess frequently and document what happened. Continuing the infusion or switching to oral therapy would not address the acute respiratory change and could worsen the situation.

When dyspnea develops during an infusion, the priority is to stop the infusion immediately to limit further exposure to the potentially offending drug or fluid. Then assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Check breathing effort and oxygen saturation, listen for wheezes or signs of airway compromise, and monitor vital signs. Provide supplemental oxygen if needed and position the patient to facilitate breathing. Call for help and notify the prescriber or rapid response as appropriate. Keep IV access available for potential emergency medications and fluids, and be prepared to initiate treatment for an acute reaction, such as anaphylaxis, if symptoms suggest it. Reassess frequently and document what happened. Continuing the infusion or switching to oral therapy would not address the acute respiratory change and could worsen the situation.