IV Solutions and Their Uses

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential complication associated with a central venous catheter (CVC) that may require immediate medical attention?

Swelling or redness in the arm or shoulder (correct)

Minor bleeding at the site

Increased risk of infection

Pain in the insertion area

What should be done to prevent a blockage in a central venous catheter?

Flush the catheter regularly (correct)

Use a smaller gauge catheter

Reduce physical activity

Limit fluid intake

Which of the following types of central lines is not considered a peripheral IV?

Midline catheter

Saline lock

PICC line (correct)

Tunneled catheter (correct)

What is the rare but serious risk associated with the placement of a central venous catheter?

Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken to secure a central venous catheter and prevent accidental removal?

Taping or bandaging the CVC Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of hypotonic solutions?

They lower the osmolality within the vascular space. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contraindication for administering hypotonic solutions?

Patients with intracranial pressure (ICP). Signup and view all the answers

What defines an isotonic solution?

Osmolality between 250-375 mOsm/L. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use for hypertonic solutions?

To draw water out of cells. Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored when administering isotonic solutions?

Hypervolemia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency for changing primary IV tubing?

Every 72-96 hours. Signup and view all the answers

When should blood product IV tubing be changed?

After 4 hours or 4 units. Signup and view all the answers

What is the drip rate for micro tubing administration sets?

60 gtts/min. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions can help prevent infection associated with central venous catheter (CVC) insertion?

Use antiseptic wipes before touching the CVC Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of blockage in a central venous catheter?

Formation of blood clots Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient shows signs of swelling or redness after CVC placement?

Notify the medical team immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of flushing a central venous catheter?

To clear clotted blood and prevent blockage Signup and view all the answers

Which type of central line is designed for long-term use and is implanted under the skin?

Tunneled catheter Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary effect of administering a hypotonic solution?

Causes cells to swell Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contraindication for using hypertonic solutions?

Cerebral edema Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical osmolality range for isotonic solutions?

250-375 mOsm/L Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient is receiving but demonstrates signs of hypervolemia?

Monitor for fluid overload Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended maximum duration for blood product IV tubing before changing?

4 hours or 4 units Signup and view all the answers

Which type of IV tubing is most suitable for administering higher volume fluids quickly?

Macro tubing Signup and view all the answers

How often should secondary/intermittent IV tubing be changed?

Every 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What drip rate is typically associated with micro tubing administration sets?

60 gtts/min Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Solution Types and Uses

Hypotonic solutions: Have lower solute concentration than body fluids, causing fluid to shift into cells, potentially causing cell swelling. Examples include 0.45% sodium chloride, 0.33% sodium chloride, 2.5% dextrose in water, and 0.2% sodium chloride. Use with caution in patients with burns, liver failure, or trauma.
Isotonic solutions: Have the same solute concentration as body fluids, preventing fluid shifts. Examples include 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline), lactated Ringer's solution, 5% dextrose in water (D5W), and Ringer's solution. Used for volume replacement, treating dehydration, shock, and metabolic acidosis.
Hypertonic solutions: Have higher solute concentration than body fluids, drawing fluid out of cells. Examples include D5W, 0.45% sodium chloride, D10W, and 3% sodium chloride. Should not be used for extended periods or in patients with heart or kidney disease who are dehydrated.

Intravenous (IV) Tubing Administration

Micro tubing: 60 gtts/min, commonly used for pediatric and neonatal patients needing small fluid volumes over extended periods.
Macro tubing: 10, 15, or 20 gtts/min, used for routine larger fluid volume infusions.

IV Tubing Change Recommendations

Primary tubing: Changed every 72-96 hours.
Secondary/intermittent tubing: Changed every 24 hours.
Blood products: Changed every 4 hours or every 4 units (whichever comes first).
Fat emulsions: Changed every 24 hours.
Important Note: All IV tubing changes should use sterile technique and coordinate with IV solution changes whenever possible.

Central Line Risks

Pain: Discomfort may occur during or after central venous catheter (CVC) placement.
Bleeding: Bruising or bleeding may occur at the insertion site.
Infection: Increase hygiene and notify team of any concerns like fever or chills.
Blockage: Clots can form, requiring flushing and/or medications to dissolve them..
Blood clots: Clots can develop within the vein. Report any new swelling or redness.
Migration or kinking: CVC can shift or become kinked, requiring repositioning.
Accidental removal: Precautions to prevent this must be taken, especially with children and pets.
Collapsed lung: Rare but possible complication in which air gets into the chest outside the lung.

Peripheral IV vs Central Lines

Peripheral IVs: Used for short-term fluid or medication administration. This includes peripheral IV, central venous catheter, and midline catheter.
Central lines: Longer-term access for high volume fluid administration or medications. This includes implanted ports, tunneled catheters, and PICCs.

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Description

Explore the various types of intravenous solutions used in medical settings, including hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solutions. Learn about their specific uses, examples, and precautions necessary when administering these fluids. This quiz will enhance your understanding of fluid balance in patient care.