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What is intravenous therapy?
Intravenous therapy is the instillation into a vein of medications, fluids, blood, or nutrient substances, which can be administered intermittently or continuously.
Which of the following are indications for intravenous therapy? (Select all that apply)
Which veins should be avoided for intravenous therapy? (Select all that apply)
You should start inserting the IV distally.
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Good veins are ____ to the touch but are not always visible.
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What should be used to clean the venipuncture site?
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What angle should the needle be inserted at for IV insertion?
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What is the purpose of a tourniquet during IV insertion?
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What equipment is essential for intravenous therapy? (Select all that apply)
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What is the definition of a venous blood sample?
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Study Notes
Intravenous Therapy
- Intravenous injection delivers medications, fluids, blood, or nutrients directly into a vein.
- This method can be used for intermittent or continuous administration.
Indications for Intravenous Therapy
- Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Administering nutritional formula (TPN).
- Delivering medications that are more effective or only possible intravenously.
- Administering blood and blood products.
- Chemotherapy for cancer patients.
- Providing patient-controlled analgesia.
- Maintaining venous access for emergencies.
- Administering contrast agents for medical imaging procedures.
Vein Puncture Sites
- Upper extremities: Basilic, cephalic, and dorsal venous network veins.
- Lower extremities: Greater saphenous vein.
Peripheral IV Insertion Principles
- Vein selection: Palpate veins as they may not be visible. Warm compresses and dependent positioning can help fill veins.
- Avoid joint flexion: This minimizes discomfort and potential complications.
- Start distally: Begin with the most peripheral veins and move proximally as needed.
- Minimize gauge size: Select the smallest gauge that can adequately administer the therapy to reduce resistance and complications.
Characteristics of a Good Vein for IV Insertion
- Visible
- Straight
- Soft
- Above previous insertion sites
- Refills when depressed
- Large lumen
- Well supported/immobile
- Bouncy/elastic
- Easily palpable
- Not bridging joints
Veins to Avoid for IV Insertion
- Thrombosed / fibrosed veins
- Inflamed veins
- Thin / Fragile veins
- Mobile veins
- Veins near bony prominences
- Veins in areas of infection, edema or phlebitis
- Veins that have undergone multiple punctures
Equipment for IV Insertion
- Intravenous tray (tourniquet, alcohol swab, adhesive tape, dressing).
- Prescribed medications.
- Clean gloves.
- Sterile syringe of appropriate size.
- Vial or ampoule of medication.
- Sharp container.
- Patient's prescription and recording chart.
Procedure for IV Insertion
- Verify doctor's orders.
- Wash hands.
- Prepare equipment and medications.
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Inspect the patient's hand and forearm, selecting the vein puncture site.
- Apply tourniquet 4-6 inches above the site. Tighten until venous return is impeded but arterial flow remains intact.
- Instruct the patient to open and close their fist several times.
- Examine the selected vein by lightly flicking with your index finger.
- Consider using a vein viewer for vein selection.
- Cleanse the site with an alcohol swab in a circular motion.
- Stabilize the vein by placing your thumb 1-2 inches below the intended insertion site and gently pulling skin taut.
- Insert the needle through the subcutaneous tissue at a 20-30 degree angle, beside or directly into the vein.
- Once blood return is obtained, decrease the angle to 10 degrees and carefully advance the needle and catheter.
- Release the tourniquet and ask the patient to open their fist.
- Inject the medication slowly, observing for any skin reactions.
- Remove the needle, apply pressure with a dry sponge, and secure with a plaster.
- Collect equipment, wash hands, and document medication administration in the appropriate chart.
Venous Blood Sample
- Definition: A sample of blood collected from a vein for laboratory examination.
Indications for Venous Blood Samples
- Making a diagnosis.
- Confirming a diagnosis.
- Monitoring the prognosis of a diagnosis.
Equipment for Venous Blood Sample Collection
- Dry sterile syringe.
- Tourniquet.
- Sterile gloves.
- Alcohol sponge and dry cotton sponge.
- Sterile/clean, colored and coded test tubes (containing appropriate additives).
- Labels, laboratory request form, and adhesive tape.
Venous Blood Sample Collection Procedure
- Verify doctor's orders.
- Wash hands and wear gloves.
- Collect and prepare equipment.
- Label all collection tubes with patient name, room number, date, time of collection, and signature.
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Inspect patient's hands and forearms, selecting the venipuncture site.
- Apply tourniquet 4-6 inches above the selected site. Ensure it impedes venous return without occluding arterial flow.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of intravenous therapy, including indications, vein puncture sites, and principles of IV insertion. Learn about how intravenous therapies are utilized to maintain fluid balance, administer medications, and provide essential nutrients to patients.
