Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient reports burning and tightness at their IV site, and you observe swelling. Which complication is most likely occurring?
A patient reports burning and tightness at their IV site, and you observe swelling. Which complication is most likely occurring?
- Infection
- Infiltration (correct)
- Extravasation
- Phlebitis
When administering a vesicant medication intravenously, which action is most important to prevent extravasation?
When administering a vesicant medication intravenously, which action is most important to prevent extravasation?
- Selecting a large vein in an area of flexion
- Establishing catheter patency prior to administration (correct)
- Applying a warm compress to the insertion site
- Administering the medication rapidly
A patient is ordered to receive an IV infusion to correct a severe electrolyte imbalance. Which type of IV solution is MOST likely to be used?
A patient is ordered to receive an IV infusion to correct a severe electrolyte imbalance. Which type of IV solution is MOST likely to be used?
- Colloid solution such as albumin
- Hypertonic crystalloid solution to draw fluid into the intravascular space
- Crystalloid solution containing specific electrolytes (correct)
- Hypotonic crystalloid solution like 0.45% NaCl
A nurse observes redness, warmth, and tenderness at a patient's IV site, along with a palpable venous cord. What complication is most likely?
A nurse observes redness, warmth, and tenderness at a patient's IV site, along with a palpable venous cord. What complication is most likely?
A patient undergoing IV therapy develops a fever and reports pain and tenderness at the insertion site with purulent drainage. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?
A patient undergoing IV therapy develops a fever and reports pain and tenderness at the insertion site with purulent drainage. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?
A patient who is unable to take fluids orally requires intravenous fluid support. Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of initiating IV therapy for this patient?
A patient who is unable to take fluids orally requires intravenous fluid support. Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of initiating IV therapy for this patient?
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate intervention to manage IV infiltration?
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate intervention to manage IV infiltration?
A postoperative patient requires an IV solution to help maintain circulating volume and prevent edema. Which type of IV solution would be MOST appropriate?
A postoperative patient requires an IV solution to help maintain circulating volume and prevent edema. Which type of IV solution would be MOST appropriate?
When preparing an IV infusion, what is the MOST important action a nurse should take regarding the IV solution bag?
When preparing an IV infusion, what is the MOST important action a nurse should take regarding the IV solution bag?
You are preparing to administer a medication known to be a vesicant through a patient's peripheral IV. What is the BEST course of action?
You are preparing to administer a medication known to be a vesicant through a patient's peripheral IV. What is the BEST course of action?
Which of the following techniques is MOST effective in preventing phlebitis during IV administration?
Which of the following techniques is MOST effective in preventing phlebitis during IV administration?
A patient is receiving an IV infusion. The nurse observes swelling, pallor, and coolness around the insertion site. What complication is MOST likely occurring?
A patient is receiving an IV infusion. The nurse observes swelling, pallor, and coolness around the insertion site. What complication is MOST likely occurring?
To prevent infection during IV insertion, which step is MOST critical?
To prevent infection during IV insertion, which step is MOST critical?
Before initiating IV therapy, what is the PRIORITY nursing assessment related to the patient's medication history?
Before initiating IV therapy, what is the PRIORITY nursing assessment related to the patient's medication history?
A physician orders an IV infusion of 0.9% NaCl to be administered at a rate of 100 mL/hr. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this order?
A physician orders an IV infusion of 0.9% NaCl to be administered at a rate of 100 mL/hr. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this order?
Which of the following assessments is MOST important for the nurse to perform before initiating an IV infusion?
Which of the following assessments is MOST important for the nurse to perform before initiating an IV infusion?
Flashcards
IV Infusion
IV Infusion
Instillation of electrolytes, medication, blood, or nutrients into the vein.
Purposes of IV Therapy
Purposes of IV Therapy
To supply fluids, electrolytes, glucose or a lifeline for medications.
Crystalloid Solutions
Crystalloid Solutions
Solutions with small molecules that flow easily from the bloodstream into cells and tissues.
Isotonic Fluids
Isotonic Fluids
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Hypotonic Fluids
Hypotonic Fluids
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Hypertonic Fluids
Hypertonic Fluids
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Colloid Solutions
Colloid Solutions
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Infiltration
Infiltration
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I.V. Infiltration
I.V. Infiltration
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Infiltration Symptoms
Infiltration Symptoms
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I.V. Extravasation
I.V. Extravasation
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Extravasation Symptoms
Extravasation Symptoms
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Phlebitis
Phlebitis
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Phlebitis Symptoms
Phlebitis Symptoms
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I.V. Infection
I.V. Infection
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I.V. Infection Symptoms
I.V. Infection Symptoms
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Study Notes
- IV infusion involves instilling electrolytes, medication, blood, or nutrients into a vein.
- Physicians are responsible for ordering the type, amount, and rate of the IV solution.
Purposes of Intravenous Therapy
- To supply fluids to patients unable to take fluids or nutrients orally.
- To provide necessary salts for electrolyte balance (e.g., K+, Na-).
- To provide glucose for metabolism (dextrose).
- To serve as a lifeline for rapid blood and medication delivery.
Types of IV Solutions
- Crystalloids are solutions with small molecules that easily flow from the bloodstream into cells and tissues.
Isotonic Fluids
- They have a similar solute concentration as plasma.
- 0.9% NaCl (normal saline) is an example.
Hypotonic Fluids
- Have a lower solute concentration than plasma.
- 0.45% NaCl (half normal saline) is an example.
Hypertonic Fluids
- Have a greater solute concentration than plasma.
- They are often administered to post-operative patients to maintain circulating volume and prevent edema.
- Colloids are comprised of much larger solutes than crystalloids.
- Colloids are always hypertonic.
- Plasma and albumin as examples of colloids.
IV Set Parts
- Injection site
- Connector
- Needle
- PVC Tube
- Roller Clamp
- Solution Filter
- Drip Chamber
- Spike
- Air Vent
Assessments Before Initiating IV Infusion
- Assess the healthcare provider's order for the IV solution and flow rate for accurate administration.
- Review information about the solution, added drugs, and nursing implications for safe administration.
- Determine if the client understands the purpose of the IV infusion to tailor teaching to their specific needs.
- Inspect the IV bag for leaks, tears, or cracks.
- Examine the fluid for clarity, particulate matter, and color, also verify the expiration date.
- Assess the skin at the IV site to avoid administering medication into inflamed or edematous tissue, which could cause injury.
- Evaluate the patency of the IV to ensure medication will be properly administered into the vein.
- Verify the client’s drug allergies.
Equipment Required for IV Administration
- Prescribed IV solution
- IV infusion set/IV tubing.
- Spirit swabs.
- Adhesive tape.
- Disposable gloves (if available).
- IV stand.
- Arm board (if needed, especially for infants).
- Steel tray.
- Potential complications of IV therapy include infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and infection.
IV Infiltration
- I.V. fluid or medications leak into the surrounding tissue.
Infiltration Signs and Symptoms
- Swelling, discomfort, burning, and/or tightness.
- Leakage from the insertion site.
Infiltration Prevention
- Select an appropriate I.V. site, avoiding areas of flexion
- Employ proper venipuncture technique.
- Advise the patient to report any swelling or tenderness at the I.V. site.
Management of I.V. Infiltration
- Stop the infusion, and remove the device.
- Elevate the limb to enhance comfort, may apply a warm or cool compress.
- Perform venipuncture in a different location and restart the infusion, as ordered.
Extravasation
- The leaking of vesicant drugs into surrounding tissue.
Extravasation Signs and Symptoms
- Tightness, burning, or discomfort at the I.V. site.
- Cool skin, redness, and/or blanching at or above the I.V. site.
- Blistering and/or skin sloughing.
Extravasation Prevention
- Avoid veins that are small and/or fragile.
- Establish catheter patency before intravenous administration.
Management of Extravasation
- Stop the I.V. flow and remove the I.V. line.
- Elevate the extremity.
- Frequently assess sensation, motor function, and circulation in the affected extremity.
- Perform venipuncture in a different location.
- Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein.
Phlebitis Signs and Symptoms
- Pain, tenderness, warmth, erythema, swelling, and purulent drainage.
- Palpable venous cord.
Phlebitis Prevention
- Choose the most appropriately sized catheter for the ordered infusion or medication.
- Monitor administration rates and inspect the I.V. site frequently.
Management of Phlebitis
- Stop the infusion at the first sign of redness or pain and insert a new catheter at a different site.
- Apply warm, moist compresses to the area and elevate the limb.
- Local or systemic infection is another potential complication of I.V. therapy.
Infection Signs and Symptoms
- Pain, tenderness, redness, or discharge at the I.V. site.
- Fever.
Infection Prevention
- Perform hand hygiene, don gloves, and use aseptic technique during I.V. insertion.
- Clean the site with approved skin antiseptic before inserting IV catheter.
Management of Infection
- Stop the infusion and notify the prescriber.
- Remove the device.
- Administer medications as prescribed.
- Monitor the patient's vital signs.
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Description
Intravenous (IV) infusions deliver fluids, electrolytes, medications, blood, or nutrients directly into a vein. Physicians determine the type and rate of IV solution, and may use crystalloids like isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic intravenous fluids.
