After transfer, a client has IV, enteral-feeding, oxygen, and urinary tubing. The nurse is about to connect a medication syringe to an unlabeled port. Which action should the nurse take first?
1Choose the port closest to the medication pump and confirm the route from the pump label after connection.
2Ask the client which tubing was used on the previous unit and connect the syringe based on that report.
3Trace the tubing from the client to its source and verify the intended route before connecting.✓ Correct answer
4Connect the syringe briefly, inject a small test amount, and stop if the client reports discomfort.
Explanation
The FDA recommends tracing every tube or catheter from the patient to its point of origin before connecting a new device or infusion.
Quick answer Perform line reconciliation by tracing the tubing end to end before connection.
Why this is correct Look-alike small-bore connectors can permit wrong-route delivery. FDA safety guidance recommends tracing the tube from the patient to the source during handoff and before making a connection.
Easy analogy or mental picture Follow the railroad track to both endpoints before putting a train on it.
Memory hook Trace before you connect.
NCLEX decision rule When the route is uncertain, stop and verify the physical pathway; proximity, color, or memory is not enough.
Why the other choices are wrong The nearest port may be the wrong system, the client may not know, and a trial connection can cause immediate serious harm.
References
1FDA: Examples of Medical Device MisconnectionsTube tracing and line reconciliation before connection
Line reconciliationIdentify every tube at the patient and source, label it, verify the prescribed route, and resolve uncertainty before connection.