IV Infiltration and Irritation Signs

Infiltration and Irritation

• Infiltration occurs when IV fluids or medications leak into surrounding tissues rather than remaining in the vein.
• Symptoms of infiltration include swelling, discoloration, pain, varying temperature (coolness/warmth), lack of blood return upon flushing, slowed or stopped infusion, and skin blistering.
• Irritation (Phlebitis) involves inflammation of the vein, commonly due to IV catheter insertion.
• Symptoms of phlebitis include pain or tenderness, swelling, increased warmth, itching, skin discoloration, and texture changes.

Fluid Volume Overload

• Fluid Volume Overload (Hypervolemia) results from excess fluid in the body, leading to symptoms such as swelling (especially in limbs), high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and rapid weight gain.
• Causes of hypervolemia include heart or kidney conditions, excessive sodium intake, hormonal changes, and pregnancy.
• Treatment strategies involve reducing fluid/sodium intake, using diuretics to expel excess fluid, and, if severe, dialysis.

IV Therapy Basics

• IV Therapy (Intravenous Therapy) delivers fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a vein, commonly used for hydration and drug administration.
• Blood Transfusion replaces lost blood or blood components, used during surgeries or to treat conditions such as anemia or clotting disorders.
• Key components of blood transfusion include whole blood or specific parts (e.g., red blood cells, plasma), requiring compatibility testing to prevent adverse reactions.

Bolus Administration

• Bolus delivers a concentrated dose of medication quickly into the bloodstream, often in emergencies.
• Used for rapid delivery of painkillers, antibiotics, and electrolytes, can be administered IV, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously.

IV Catheter Management

• IV catheters should typically be changed every 72 to 96 hours to prevent complications, though sooner changes are needed for signs of infection or malfunction.

Fluid Solutions

• Isotonic Solutions:
  • Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) maintains fluid balance;
  • Lactated Ringer’s Solution is used for fluid resuscitation with electrolytes similar to blood.
• Hypertonic Solutions:
  • 3% Saline treats hyponatremia by moving water out of cells;
  • Dextrose 10% in Water (D10W) increases glucose concentration and draws water out.
• Hypotonic Solutions:
  • 0.45% Saline rehydrates cells by drawing water in;
  • Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) becomes hypotonic after metabolism.

Blood Typing

• ABO Blood System:
  • Type A has A antigens and B antibodies;
  • Type B has B antigens and A antibodies;
  • Type AB has both A and B antigens;
  • Type O has no A or B antigens, the universal donor.
• Rh Factor:
  • Rh-positive has Rh antigen;
  • Rh-negative lacks it.
• Eight possible blood types are A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-.

Symptoms of Transfusion Reactions

• Common Symptoms: Fever, chills, itching, hives, shortness of breath, back pain, and dark urine.
• Severe Symptoms: Anaphylactic reactions, hemolytic reactions with hemoglobinuria, hypotension, and respiratory distress.

Phlebitis Symptoms

• Superficial Phlebitis: Redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and visible veins.
• Deep Vein Phlebitis: Pain, swelling of the limb, warmth, skin discoloration, and low-grade fever.
• Complications: Risk of pulmonary embolism and infection.

Antibiotics

• Essential for treating bacterial infections; they either kill bacteria or inhibit growth.
• Types:
  • Penicillins for common infections;
  • Cephalosporins for serious infections;
  • Aminoglycosides for severe cases;
  • Tetracyclines for acne;
  • Macrolides as alternatives to penicillin;
  • Fluoroquinolones for broad-spectrum use.
• Mechanism: Target bacterial cell features, preserving human cells.
• Usage: Effective for bacterial infections, ineffective against viruses.
• Side Effects: May cause nausea, diarrhea, and serious issues like antibiotic resistance.
• Complete antibiotic courses to ensure eradication of bacteria.

This quiz covers the signs and symptoms of intravenous (IV) infiltration and irritation. Learn to identify swelling, discoloration, pain, and temperature changes at the IV site. Understanding these signs is crucial for providing effective patient care.