IV Therapy Complications Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic sign of infiltration during IV therapy?

  • Fever at the site
  • Swelling around the insertion site (correct)
  • Increased blood flow
  • Discoloration of the intravenous fluid
  • Which nursing intervention should be prioritized for both infiltration and extravasation?

  • Start a new IV line immediately
  • Change the dressing on the site
  • Discontinue the IV catheter (correct)
  • Administer pain medication
  • What type of compress is typically used to promote vasodilation for infiltrated fluids?

  • Dry heat pad
  • Ice pack
  • Warm, moist compress (correct)
  • Cold compress
  • Which complication occurs specifically when a vesicant drug leaks into surrounding tissue?

    <p>Extravasation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition involves inflammation of the inner lining of a vein?

    <p>Phlebitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of catheter-related irritation?

    <p>Redness and swelling at the IV site</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended intervention for a catheter embolism?

    <p>Quickly apply a tourniquet above the insertion site</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes symptoms of circulatory overload?

    <p>Elevated blood pressure and tachycardia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a sign of infection at the catheter insertion site?

    <p>Heat and possible purulent drainage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if there’s bleeding at the venipuncture site?

    <p>Discontinue the IV and assess connections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nursing intervention is appropriate for fluid overload?

    <p>Reduce or stop the IV flow rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In case of IV catheter removal, which step is necessary to identify the cause if it was sheared?

    <p>The catheter should be saved for analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following indicates that IV flow may need to be stopped?

    <p>Warmth and pain along the vein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    IV Therapy Complications

    • Infiltration: IV fluids leak into surrounding tissue. Symptoms include swelling, pallor, coolness, tightness of skin, damp dressing, and a slow or stopped IV flow rate.

    Extravasation

    • Extravasation: A vesicant drug leaks out of the vein, damaging surrounding tissue.
    • Nursing Interventions:
      • Discontinue the fluid infusion
      • Discontinue the IV catheter
      • Elevate the affected extremity
      • Apply warm, moist compresses or cold compresses (depending on facility policy or medication)

    Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis

    • Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of the vein's inner lining. This is caused by mechanical (catheter movement) or chemical (IV fluids/electrolytes) irritation.
    • Signs/Symptoms: Redness, warmth, swelling at or near the site of the insertion and pain, tingling or throbbing along the vein path. A slow or stopped IV flow rate.

    Systemic Complications

    • Catheter embolism: A complication that can occur during catheter removal if the catheter is “sheared” (broken) during removal.
    • Circulatory (fluid) overload: Too much IV fluid infused too quickly, resulting in distended neck veins, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and/or coughing.
    • Infection (cellulitis): Infection at the IV insertion site. Symptoms include erythema (redness), warmth, swelling, or possible purulent drainage. Systemic complications like fever, chills, and malaise can also occur.

    Bleeding at Venipuncture Site

    • Bleeding issues: Oozing or continuous seepage of blood from the insertion site. Assess IV system connections, discontinue the IV and apply pressure to stop bleeding.
    • Hematoma: A bruise (ecchymosis) occurring during or after IV insertion.
    • Nursing interventions:
      • Do not keep tourniquet on too long
      • Remove tourniquet before starting IV infusion
      • Apply pressure over insertion site with sterile gauze pad until bleeding stops (longer if patient is on anticoagulants)

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    Description

    This quiz covers the complications associated with IV therapy, including infiltration, extravasation, and phlebitis. You'll learn about the signs, symptoms, and nursing interventions necessary for managing these complications effectively. Test your knowledge and preparedness for real-world nursing scenarios.

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