Intravenous Therapy Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of intravenous therapy?

To offer nutrition exclusively through IV fluids

To hydrate only during surgical procedures

To provide electrolytes for metabolic functions

To supply fluid when oral intake is inadequate (correct)

Which blood type can only receive blood from type O?

Type O (correct)

Type AB

Type B

Type A

Which type of crystalloid solution dehydrates cells?

Isotonic solutions

Hyaluronic solutions

Hypotonic solutions

Hypertonic solutions (correct)

What should be monitored when administering hypotonic solutions?

Blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What type of antigens do individuals with blood type B have?

B antigens Signup and view all the answers

Which solution is considered isotonic?

0.9% sodium chloride Signup and view all the answers

Who can receive blood from a type AB donor?

All blood types Signup and view all the answers

Which blood group is considered a universal donor?

Type O Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential adverse effect of administering large amounts of colloids?

Peripheral edema Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of isotonic crystalloid solutions?

5% dextrose in water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT screened for during blood donation?

Blood pressure levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of hypertonic solutions on cells?

They lead to cell shrinkage Signup and view all the answers

What determines a person's Rh factor?

The presence of Rh antigens Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would intravenous therapy be most critical?

When a patient has nausea or vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cross matching in blood transfusions?

To identify possible interactions between antigens and antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with which blood type do NOT produce antibodies against A or B antigens?

Type AB Signup and view all the answers

What position should a female patient be placed in for the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter?

Dorsal recumbent with hips and knees flexed Signup and view all the answers

To minimize the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), what is the appropriate size of the catheter a nurse should use?

The smallest size possible Signup and view all the answers

Why should a male patient be instructed to take slow, deep breaths during indwelling catheter insertion?

To promote relaxation Signup and view all the answers

What is the best action to assess before inserting a catheter to prevent allergic reactions?

Check patient’s allergies related to latex and antiseptics Signup and view all the answers

Which catheter insertion technique is recommended to reduce trauma to the urethra?

Advance the catheter gently and steadily Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the goal of bladder irrigation or cystoclysis using a triple-lumen catheter?

To instill medication directly into the bladder Signup and view all the answers

During the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter, if the patient reports resistance or pain, what should the nurse do?

Instruct the patient to take slow, deep breaths Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of positioning a patient correctly during catheter insertion?

To expose the urethral opening for easy access Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a tourniquet?

To apply pressure and limit blood flow Signup and view all the answers

At what height above the venipuncture site should a tourniquet be applied?

6-8 inches Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with air embolism through IV tubing?

Cyanosis Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when infiltration occurs at an IV site?

Remove the IV and elevate the extremity Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of circulatory overload?

High blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is recommended for phlebitis?

Remove the IV and notify healthcare provider Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication of hematoma at an IV site?

Hard lump and ecchymosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of infection at an IV site?

Chills and fever Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should be taken when extravasation occurs?

Leave the catheter in place and aspirate remaining drug Signup and view all the answers

What intervention is appropriate for a patient experiencing dyspnea due to circulatory overload?

Elevate the head of the bed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a jejunostomy?

For long-term nutritional support beyond 6-8 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for potassium levels in mEq/L?

3.5-5.0 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods would you classify as a full liquid diet?

Milk, yogurt, and eggs in custard Signup and view all the answers

What are the normal hemoglobin levels for a male in g/dL?

14-18 Signup and view all the answers

How is an oro-gastric tube measured?

From the tip of the earlobe to the corner of the mouth, then to the xiphoid process Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal total cholesterol level in mg/dL?

< 200 Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for chloride levels in mmol/L?

95–105 Signup and view all the answers

What are the normal values for white blood cell (WBC) count?

5000–10,000/mm3 Signup and view all the answers

Which food item is NOT considered part of a clear liquid diet?

Milk Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for triglycerides in mg/dL?

< 150 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Intravenous Therapy (IVT)

IV therapy involves administering fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream through a vein for rapid action.
Nurses are responsible for IVT administration and patient education, particularly for those unable to consume adequate food and fluids orally.

Purposes of IV Therapy

Supplies fluids when oral intake is insufficient.
Provides electrolytes to prevent imbalances.
Supplies glucose for metabolism.
Offers water-soluble vitamins and medications.
Establishes access for urgently needed medications.

IV Fluid Solutions

Crystalloids: Small molecules, categorized into hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions.
Colloids: Large molecules that remain longer in the intravascular space, such as fresh frozen plasma and albumin; can cause CHF in large amounts.

Crystalloid Solutions

Hypertonic: Higher concentration than body fluids (e.g., 5% saline, D5NS), leads to cell dehydration and shrinkage; monitor for fluid overload.
Hypotonic: Lower concentration than body fluids (e.g., 0.45% saline, D5W), causes cell swelling; monitor blood pressure.
Isotonic: Same concentration as intracellular fluid (e.g., 0.9% saline), remains in intravascular space without fluid shifts.

IV Computation

To calculate infusion rates: (# of volume in cc / # of hours) x (df gtts/ml) = gtts/min.

Common Complications of IV Therapy

Air Embolism: Symptoms include tachycardia and chest pain; treat by clamping tubing and positioning the patient.
Infiltration: Symptoms include pain and swelling; treat by removing the IV and applying warm compress.
Infection: Symptoms include fever and redness; treat by removing IV and administering antibiotics.
Circulatory Overload: Symptoms include high blood pressure and dyspnea; treat by decreasing flow rate and elevating the head.
Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein; treat with IV removal and notifying HCP.
Hematoma: Blood collection in tissues; treat by elevating the extremity and applying pressure.
Extravasation: Caused by vesicant drugs; treat by stopping the infusion and notifying HCP.

Blood Typing and Components

Blood groups are determined by ABO antigens: Type A, B, AB, and O.
Rh factor indicates if blood is Rh-positive or negative.
Universal Donor: Type O; Universal Receiver: Type AB.

Blood Typing and Cross-Matching

Blood typing determines blood group and Rh factor.
Cross-matching identifies antigen-antibody interactions to avoid complications.

Catheter Guidelines

For indwelling urinary catheters, using the smallest size possible minimizes risk for CAUTI.
Proper positioning varies by gender; females are placed in dorsal recumbent or lithotomy positions, while males are supine.

Nutrition Support

Gastronomy and Jejunostomy: Provide long-term nutritional support through a tube surgically placed in the stomach or jejunum.

Diet Examples

Clear Liquid Diet: Includes clear liquids and broths.
Full Liquid Diet: Adds dairy products and pureed foods.
Soft Diet: Incorporates soft foods for digestibility.

Normal Lab Values

Electrolytes:
- Sodium: 136-145 mEq/L
- Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
- Glucose: 70-99 mg/dL
Hematology:
- Hemoglobin: Females 12-16 g/dL; Males 14-18 g/dL
- Platelets: 150,000-350,000/µL
Lipids:
- Total cholesterol: <200 mg/dL
- HDL: Females <50 mg/dL; Males <40 mg/dL

Important Considerations

Blood donation is voluntary and requires rigorous screening for diseases.
Always assess patients for allergies before catheter insertion.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the principles and responsibilities associated with intravenous therapy (IVT). It covers the administration of IV medications and fluids, their rapid action in restoring fluid volume, and the importance of client education about IVT. Perfect for nursing students and healthcare professionals.