IV Fluids Overview and Administration

IV Fluids Overview

• Hypertonic Solution: Contains more particles than water, leading to cell shrinkage.
• Isotonic Solution: Has an equal concentration of solutes and water, maintaining cellular volume.
• Hypotonic Solution: Contains fewer particles than water, causing cells to swell.

Client Monitoring Considerations

• Use an IV pump for clients with:
  • Kidney failure to ensure careful fluid management.
  • Heart failure to prevent fluid overload.

Potassium Chloride Administration

• Administer Potassium Chloride slowly to minimize the risk of venous inflammation.

IV Bag Label Components

• D5W: Indicates Dextrose 5% in water.
• 0.9% Sodium Chloride: Known as Normal Saline.
• 0.2% Sodium Chloride: Refers to Quarter Normal Saline.
• D5 LR: Indicates Dextrose 5% and Lactated Ringers.
• 0.45% Sodium Chloride: Referred to as Half Normal Saline.

Osmolality of IV Fluids

• Determining osmolality is essential for fluid classification:
  • Example of osmolality for specific IV bags: 388 mOsmol/L and 525 mOsmol/L.

Tonicity Classifications for IV Fluids

• Dextrose 5% and Water: Hypotonic.
• Normal Saline: Isotonic.
• Quarter Normal Saline: Hypotonic.
• Dextrose 5% and Lactated Ringers: Hypertonic.
• Half Normal Saline: Hypotonic.

Client IV Fluid Administration

• IV pumps are indicated for:
  • Nicole receiving Potassium Chloride.
  • Doug with renal failure.
  • George with heart failure.

IV Input and Output Tracking

• For a patient on Normal Saline at 150 mL/hour, track total input over 24 hours as 4375 mL; output sections filled as follows:
  • 07:00-15:00: 900 mL
  • 15:00-23:00: 1200 mL
  • 23:00-07:00: 1200 mL
  • Total: 3300 mL.

IV Flow Sheet Completion

• Record fluid type, volumes, and timings accurately for each IV bag administered:
  • First bag initiated at 10:30 (1000 mL Normal Saline).
  • Second bag initiated at 18:30 (1000 mL Normal Saline).

Fluid Replacement for Hemorrhagic Shock

• In cases of significant blood loss (e.g., stab wound):
  • Appropriate fluids include Normal Saline and Lactated Ringers due to their isotonic properties.

Fluid Management for Dehydration

• For patients with elevated sodium levels and dehydration, appropriate fluids are:
  • Half Normal Saline and D5 and water, to rehydrate effectively without causing further electrolyte imbalance.

This quiz focuses on the types of IV fluids, including hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions, and their effects on cells. It also covers important client monitoring considerations and guidelines for administering Potassium Chloride. Test your knowledge on the composition and labeling of IV bags as well.