IV Solutions and Their Uses

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than bodily fluids, causing fluid to shift into cells, potentially causing swelling.

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as bodily fluids, maintaining cell size and shape.

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than bodily fluids, drawing fluid out of cells, potentially causing shrinkage.

IV tubing used for slow fluid delivery, commonly in pediatrics and neonates.

IV tubing for standard fluid administration, used for routine infusions.

Change primary IV tubing every 72-96 hours.

Change secondary or intermittent IV tubing every 24 hours.

Change blood product IV tubing within 4 hours or 4 units, whichever is first.

Possible complications associated with central venous catheters (CVCs), including pain, bleeding, infection, blockage, blood clots, migration or kinking, accidental removal, and collapsed lung.

Taking steps to prevent infection, such as proper hand hygiene, maintaining a clean dressing, and promptly reporting any signs of infection like fever or chills.

Regularly flushing the CVC to prevent blood clots from forming and obstructing the line.

Peripheral IVs are placed in smaller veins, while central lines are inserted into larger veins near the heart, providing longer-term access.

Central lines include implantable ports, tunneled catheters, and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

A central venous catheter (CVC) is a type of IV line inserted into a large vein near the heart, providing long-term access for medications, fluids, and blood products.

A CVC can increase the risk of infection. Proper hand hygiene, clean dressings, and prompt reporting of symptoms like fever or chills are crucial to prevent this.

A CVC can be blocked by blood clots. Regular flushing with saline helps prevent this. Medications can be used to unclog a blocked CVC.

A CVC can migrate or move, twist, or become kinked within the vein. This requires repositioning.

Peripheral IVs are placed in smaller veins, while central lines are inserted into larger veins near the heart, providing longer-term access.

Hypotonic solutions are used to increase fluid volume within cells. They are particularly helpful for rehydrating cells that have been dehydrated, such as in cases of dehydration, burns, or trauma. These solutions should be used cautiously in patients with liver failure, as they can worsen fluid retention.

Hypertonic solutions are used to draw fluid out of cells, increasing the fluid volume in the bloodstream. This can be helpful in situations where the body needs more fluid in the blood vessels, such as in severe dehydration or edema.

Hypotonic solutions should not be used in patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) as they can worsen brain swelling, potentially leading to complications.

Isotonic solutions are primarily used to expand the volume of fluid in the bloodstream, treating dehydration, shock, and metabolic acidosis. They are also used to administer blood and blood products.

Micro tubing is used for slow, precise fluid administration, especially in infants and children where smaller volumes are needed.

Macro tubing is used for routine, standard infusions in adults, generally with larger volumes of fluid.

Primary IV tubing needs to be changed every 72 to 96 hours to prevent bacterial growth and ensure continued sterility.

Secondary or intermittent IV tubing should be changed every 24 hours to maintain sterility and reduce the risk of complications.