week 12: IV Medications

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following CVAD complications does NOT result from failure to follow policy and procedure?

  • Overwhelming sepsis
  • DVT (correct)
  • Catheter Occlusion
  • Thrombosis

Which of the following would not be a symptom of a patient with a central line experiencing an air embolism?

  • Lower shoulder or back pain
  • Low heart rate (correct)
  • Sudden onset of shortness of breath
  • Cyanosis

Which of the following patient would be a candidate for insertion of central line?

  • A patient with an existing thrombus in the innominate or subclavian vein
  • A patient with immunocompromised related to chemotherapy (correct)
  • A patient with abnormal coagulation studies
  • A patient with septicaemia

You are beginning your day shift, and learn that one of your patients has a central venous access device ( CVAD) infusing his maintenance solution. Which of the following is a priority assessment related to the CVAD?

<p>Chest assessment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical location would the nurse identify as appropriate tip placement for a central venous catheter?

<p>Superior vena cava (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Your patient is having a central venous access device (CVAD) inserted today. Which of the following would be an indication for this procedure?

<p>Hemodialysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

There are multiple complications associated with Central Venous Access Devices (CVAD). Which of the following is most often related to nursing care of the line?

<p>Central Line Infection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The nurse is caring for a patient with sepsis. The plan of care for the patient is to administer antibiotics 3 times daily for 4 weeks. What device is most appropriate for administering these antibiotics?

<p>A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client has recently provided consent to receive TPN (total parenteral nutrition). Which of the following is important education for the nurse to provide?

<p>Intake and output must be monitored in clients with renal disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is caring for a cancer patient who presents with anorexia, blood pressure of 100/60, elevated white blood count, and oral candidiasis. The nurse knows that the purpose of starting total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is to:

<p>Replace fluid, electrolytes, and nutrients in the patient (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does intravenous (IV) medication administration provide a rapid onset of action compared to oral medications?

<p>IV administration bypasses the digestive system, directly entering the bloodstream. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Administering IV medications above the drip chamber ensures the medication is delivered directly into the patient's vein without mixing with the IV fluid.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A macro-drip IV tubing typically delivers a ______ volume of fluid per drop compared to a micro-drip.

<p>higher</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of IV line with its primary function:

<p>Primary IV Line = Continuous infusion of fluids or medications Secondary IV Line = Intermittent infusion of medications or fluids</p> Signup and view all the answers

A secondary IV line is typically used for continuous infusion of fluids over an extended period.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for hanging a secondary IV line higher than the primary line?

<p>To ensure the secondary medication infuses by gravity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When administering medications through a secondary line, it is unnecessary to monitor the patient for adverse reactions as the medication is diluted.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you need to infuse 1000 mL of saline over 8 hours using an infusion pump, what is the flow rate in mL/hr?

<p>125 mL/hr (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The nurse only needs to educate the patient on potential side effects of the primary medication, as secondary medications rarely cause complications.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to monitor the drip rate when administering IV medications?

<p>To assess for potential complications like infiltration or phlebitis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the drip chamber in an IV setup?

<p>To allow observation of the IV fluid flow rate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which clinical scenario would a macro-drip IV tubing be most appropriate?

<p>Delivering a large volume of fluids for rapid fluid resuscitation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For which of the following patients would a micro-drip IV set be most suitable?

<p>A pediatric patient requiring precise fluid management. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using a secondary IV line?

<p>To intermittently administer medications or fluids at scheduled intervals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it generally recommended to hang a secondary IV bag higher than the primary IV bag?

<p>To allow the secondary medication to infuse via gravity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is receiving continuous IV fluids through a primary line. What nursing intervention is crucial for this patient?

<p>Regularly checking the IV site for signs of complications. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After administering medication through a secondary IV line, what action must the nurse take?

<p>Ensure the primary line is resumed at the appropriate rate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When administering medications via a secondary IV line, what is the nurse's priority assessment during the infusion?

<p>Assessing the patient for any adverse reactions to the medication. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical nursing responsibility when administering medications through both primary and secondary IV lines?

<p>Ensuring the correct medication is infused at the correct time and rate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical drop factor (gtt/mL) for a micro-drip IV set?

<p>60 gtt/mL (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a primary IV line of normal saline at 75 mL/hr is also prescribed an intermittent antibiotic via a secondary IV line. What is the nursing priority regarding the primary line?

<p>To ensure the primary IV line resumes its flow rate after the antibiotic infusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is preparing to administer IV medication above the drip chamber. Which of the following describes why this method is used?

<p>To allow the medication to mix with the fluid before it enters the patient's vein. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When administering an antibiotic through a secondary IV line, the nurse notices the primary IV solution is infusing concurrently. What is the nurse's next action?

<p>Verify the compatibility of the antibiotic with the primary IV solution, and adjust the height of the secondary bag. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

IV Medication Administration

Delivering fluids/medications directly into the bloodstream via a vein for rapid absorption.

Drip Chamber

Transparent part of IV set up that allows observing the flow rate.

Macro-Drip

IV tubing with larger openings, delivers higher fluid volume per drop (10-20 gtt/mL).

Micro-Drip

IV tubing with smaller openings, delivers fewer drops per milliliter (60 gtt/mL).

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Primary IV Line

Main IV line for continuous fluid or medication infusion.

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Secondary IV Line

IV line used for intermittent infusions of medication, attached to primary line.

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gtts/min Calculation

Flow rate calculation for gravity drips based on volume, time, and drop factor.

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mL/hr Calculation

Flow rate calculation for pumps based on total volume and time in hours.

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Primary Line Implications

Monitor IV site, keep line patent, ensures steady hydration/medication.

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Secondary Line Implications

Monitor for adverse reactions, ensure primary line resumes at appropriate rate.

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Drop Factor (gtt/mL)

The number of drops per milliliter, found on IV tubing packaging.

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Medications Above Drip Chamber

Administering medications above this part allows mixing before entering the vein.

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Administering IV Meds Above Drip Chamber

Allows medication to mix with IV fluid before entering the patient's vein, used for continuous infusions.

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Macro-Drip Usage

Rapid fluid or medication replacement.

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Micro-Drip Usage

Precise control when a slower rate is needed (e.g., in pediatrics).

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Primary IV Line Purpose

Main line for continuous fluid or medication infusion, connected to access site.

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Secondary IV Line Purpose

Administer specific medication intermittently via gravity or pump.

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Primary Line Fluid Infusion

Steady infusion for continuous hydration, ongoing pain management and/or antibiotics.

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Secondary Line Medication Infusion

Administer medication needing delivery intermittently, antibiotic over specific time.

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Nurse Responsibilities - IV lines

Ensuring infusion of correct medication at correct time and rate.

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Primary Line Drug Infusion

Ongoing medication infusion for steady pain management.

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Capital of France (example flashcard)

Paris

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Study Notes

  • Intravenous (IV) medication administration delivers fluids, medications, or nutrition directly into the bloodstream via a vein
  • IV administration allows for rapid onset of action by bypassing the digestive system
  • It is commonly used when rapid absorption is needed or when a patient cannot take oral medications
  • Medications are often added above the drip chamber to ensure they are delivered directly into the patient's bloodstream through the primary or secondary IV line
  • The drip chamber is a transparent part of the IV setup that allows healthcare providers to observe the flow rate of the IV fluid
  • The drip chamber is located just below the medication bag and above the patient’s IV insertion site
  • Administering medications above the drip chamber allows the medication to mix with the fluid before it enters the patient’s vein
  • This method is typically used for continuous infusions where a medication is added to the bag for slow and consistent infusion
  • It is essential to monitor the drip rate and assess for any complications, such as infiltration or phlebitis, when administering IV medications

Macro-Drip vs. Micro-Drip

  • Macro-drip (large bore) IV tubing has larger openings and is typically used for faster infusions, delivering a higher volume of fluid per drop (usually 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL)
  • Macro-drip sets are typically used for patients who require rapid fluid resuscitation or a large volume of fluids
  • Micro-drip (small bore) IV tubing has smaller openings and delivers fewer drops per milliliter (typically 60 gtt/mL)
  • Micro-drip sets are used when precise control over the flow rate is necessary, such as for pediatric patients, or when a slower infusion rate is needed

Primary vs. Secondary IV Lines

  • The primary IV line is the main line used for continuous fluid or medication infusion, such as saline, dextrose, or other medications
  • The primary IV line is connected to the patient's central or peripheral access site
  • The secondary IV line (piggyback) is used for intermittent infusions of medication or fluids given at scheduled intervals
  • The secondary line is attached to the primary line at a Y-site
  • The medication in the secondary line is infused when needed
  • Once the secondary infusion is completed, the primary line resumes its flow
  • The primary IV line is used for continuous infusion of fluids or medications over time
  • The secondary IV line is used to administer a specific medication intermittently, typically by gravity or pump
  • The secondary line is generally hung higher than the primary line to allow for infusion by gravity

Client Implications

  • The primary line provides a steady infusion of fluids or drugs if a patient requires continuous hydration or ongoing medication infusion
  • Nursing staff should regularly check the primary IV site for signs of complications, such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection, and ensure the line is patent (open)
  • Secondary lines are used for medications that need to be delivered intermittently
  • The nurse must monitor the patient during the secondary infusion for any adverse reactions to the medication
  • After administering the secondary medication, the nurse must ensure the primary line is resumed at the appropriate rate
  • The nurse should always ensure the correct medication is infused at the correct time and rate for both lines
  • The nurse should educate the patient on potential side effects or complications associated with the medication for both lines

Gravity Drip (gtts/min)

  • To calculate the flow rate in gtts/min (drops per minute) when using gravity, the formula is: Flow Rate (gtts/min) = (Total Volume (mL) / Time (minutes)) x Drop Factor (gtt/mL)
  • Total Volume is the total volume of fluid or medication to be infused
  • Time is the time over which the fluid should be infused, usually in minutes
  • Drop Factor is the number of drops per milliliter, which is typically printed on the IV bag or tubing packaging (e.g., 10, 15, 20, or 60 gtt/mL)
  • Example calculation: Infuse 500 mL over 4 hours using a macro-drip set with a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL: Flow Rate (gtts/min) = (500 mL / 240 minutes) x 15 gtt/mL = 31.25 gtts/min

mL/hr (Infusion Pump)

  • To calculate the flow rate in mL/hr for a pump, the formula is: Flow Rate (mL/hr) = Total Volume (mL) / Time (hours)
  • Example Calculation: Infuse 500 mL over 4 hours using a pump: Flow Rate (mL/hr) = 500 mL / 4 hours = 125 mL/hr

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