Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of catheter is intended for short-term use and typically lasts a few days?
Which type of catheter is intended for short-term use and typically lasts a few days?
What is the primary characteristic of an infusion administration set that ensures proper medication delivery?
What is the primary characteristic of an infusion administration set that ensures proper medication delivery?
Which filtering component in infusion systems helps prevent particulate contamination?
Which filtering component in infusion systems helps prevent particulate contamination?
What is essential for maintaining sterility during IV therapy?
What is essential for maintaining sterility during IV therapy?
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Which characteristic is critical for both Central Venous Catheters and Midlines regarding dressing changes?
Which characteristic is critical for both Central Venous Catheters and Midlines regarding dressing changes?
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What should be the first step in the systematic assessment of an infusion system?
What should be the first step in the systematic assessment of an infusion system?
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What is a key advantage of using a StatLock IV stabilization device?
What is a key advantage of using a StatLock IV stabilization device?
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Why is it important to document details of IV catheter insertion and maintenance accurately?
Why is it important to document details of IV catheter insertion and maintenance accurately?
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What is a significant characteristic of plastic infusion containers?
What is a significant characteristic of plastic infusion containers?
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Which feature is essential for administration sets to ensure patient safety?
Which feature is essential for administration sets to ensure patient safety?
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Where should filters be placed in an infusion system?
Where should filters be placed in an infusion system?
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What is the primary goal of maintaining sterility throughout the IV therapy process?
What is the primary goal of maintaining sterility throughout the IV therapy process?
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What role do smart pumps play in IV therapy?
What role do smart pumps play in IV therapy?
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During the nursing assessment for an infusion site, what is the first step?
During the nursing assessment for an infusion site, what is the first step?
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Which of the following is NOT a sign of potential complications at the insertion site?
Which of the following is NOT a sign of potential complications at the insertion site?
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What is the importance of checking dressing integrity during IV therapy?
What is the importance of checking dressing integrity during IV therapy?
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What is the primary purpose of a secondary administration set in infusion therapy?
What is the primary purpose of a secondary administration set in infusion therapy?
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What is the maximum period for which primary and secondary sets can be used?
What is the maximum period for which primary and secondary sets can be used?
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What is the importance of using a Luer-Lok design in infusion sets?
What is the importance of using a Luer-Lok design in infusion sets?
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Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for maintaining sterility in IV therapy?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for maintaining sterility in IV therapy?
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How should filters be placed in an infusion system for optimal effectiveness?
How should filters be placed in an infusion system for optimal effectiveness?
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What type of contamination can result from improper disinfection techniques?
What type of contamination can result from improper disinfection techniques?
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What visual signs should be inspected in the fluid to check for contamination?
What visual signs should be inspected in the fluid to check for contamination?
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What should be done with blood tubing after 4 hours of use?
What should be done with blood tubing after 4 hours of use?
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Study Notes
Infusion Therapy Overview
- Infusion therapy is a medical procedure for administering fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
- It's common in hospitals, home care, ambulatory care clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Definition and Common Uses
- Infusion therapy delivers fluids or medications via a needle or catheter.
- Common uses include hydration, medication administration (e.g., antibiotics, pain relievers), nutritional support (e.g., parenteral nutrition), blood transfusions (e.g., packed red blood cells, platelets), and chemotherapy/biologic therapy.
Types of Vascular Access Devices (VADs)
- Peripheral IVs: Short-term devices for fluids and medications, commonly placed in the forearm or hand. Used for most general therapies.
- Central Venous Access: Long-term use (e.g., total parenteral nutrition (TPN), chemotherapy), placed in the subclavian vein, jugular vein, or femoral vein.
Types of Fluids and Medications
- Parenteral solutions include normal saline (0.9% NaCl), Lactated Ringer's (electrolyte replenishment), parenteral nutrition (TPN), blood products (packed red blood cells, platelets), and medications (e.g., antibiotics, chemotherapy).
- Solutions are classified by tonicity (isotonic, hypotonic, hypertonic), with certain pH solutions best infused centrally to reduce irritation.
Complications of Infusion Therapy
- Phlebitis: Vein inflammation due to mechanical, chemical, or bacterial irritation. Symptoms include redness, pain, and swelling at the IV site.
- Infiltration: IV fluid leaking into surrounding tissue. Symptoms include swelling, coolness, and discomfort.
- Extravasation: Leakage of vesicant medications (e.g., chemotherapy) into tissue, leading to severe tissue damage (e.g., blistering, necrosis). Symptoms include pain, blisters at the IV site.
Medications and IV Fluids Special Considerations
- Certain medications (e.g., dopamine, chemotherapy) can cause significant tissue damage(extravasation) if they leak outside the vein.
- Medications with a pH below 5 or above 9 may irritate veins.
- Solutions with a high osmolarity (e.g., TPN) should not be infused peripherally to prevent vein damage.
Patient Monitoring and Assessment
- Monitor for signs of infiltration (swelling, coolness, tingling, redness).
- Monitor for signs of phlebitis (redness, warmth, tenderness).
- Discontinue infusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider if complications arise.
- Blood transfusions require positive patient identification with two identifiers and two qualified professionals.
Infusion Prescription and Documentation
- Infusion orders must include specifics about the type and rate of medication, total volume, and duration.
- Use electronic medication administration records (MARs) to decrease errors.
Peripheral Intravenous Therapy (PIV)
- Short PIVCs (peripheral IV catheters) are the most commonly used vascular access devices for short-term IV therapies. Typically placed in the superficial veins of an arm (e.g., forearm).
- Common uses include administering fluids, medications, and short-term nutritional support.
Central Intravenous Therapy (CIV) and Central Venous Access Devices (CVADs)
- Central IV therapy involves placing a vascular access device (VAD) into the central circulation, specifically within the superior vena cava near the right atrium.
- Confirmation of placement is crucial; it typically requires a chest x-ray.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs)
- PICCs are long catheters inserted into a vein in the antecubital fossa or upper arm for use in situations requiring frequent or long-term infusion of medications, fluids, or other substances.
Infusion Systems
- Infusion containers (glass or plastic) are components of infusion systems. Glass containers require an air vent, while plastic containers are a closed system.
- Important aspects of infusion systems include filtering, tubing connections (Luer-Lok), flushing techniques, and use of electronic infusion devices (IV pumps).
Nursing Care for IV Therapy Patients
- Nurses need to evaluate insertion sites for signs of infection, monitor the patient for complications, and ensure that fluids and medications are infused correctly.
- Comprehensive assessments and documentation are crucial for IV therapy management.
- Appropriate techniques for maintaining IV insertion sites, flushing and monitoring, and removing catheters are essential aspects of patient care.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of infusion therapy, a crucial medical procedure for delivering fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream. It covers definitions, common uses, types of vascular access devices, and the various fluids and medications administered. Perfect for healthcare professionals and students alike.
