Ch. 6: Dosage Calculations of IV Solutions and Drugs Flashcards
the clear cylinder of plastic attached to the IV tubing. it is filled no more than halfway so you can see the fluid dripping
drip chamber
the number of drops per minute needed to make an IV solution infuse in the prescribed amount of time
drip rate
the number of drops (gtts) needed to make 1 mL of IV fluid. the larger the drop, the fewer drops that are needed
drop factor
how long in minutes or hours an IV infusion is ordered to run
duration
condition in which an IV needle or catheter pulls from the vein and causes tissue damage by leaking irritating IV fluids into the surrounding tissue
extravasation
how fast an IV infusion is prescribed to run - the number of mL delivered in 1 hour
flow rate
an accidental infusion of IV fluids at a much faster rate than was ordered, causing harm to the patient. sometimes called a “runaway IV”
fluid overload
to run IV fluids into the body
infuse (infusion)
condition in which an IV needle or catheter pulls from the vein and begins to leak IV fluids into the surrounding tissue, resulting in tissue swelling
infiltration
amount of fluids ordered
volume
IV pump abbreviation for volume infused
VI
IV pump abbreviation for volume to be infused
VTBI
the tubing and drip chamber used to administer an IV drip
administration set
what drugs are IV infusions ideal for?
drugs that must get into the patient’s system quickly, need to be given at a steady rate, and are controlled by the patient
what do you need to know to understand the basics of IV fluid regulation?
what type of fluid should be infused, how much of the fluid should be infused, how long the fluid should be infused for, and how fast the fluid should be infused
what should your VI and VTBI added together make?
the total amount of fluid that was in the bag when the fluid was first hung
for an order to start IV therapy to be valid it must contain what?
the specific drug or IV solution to be infused, the dosage or volume, the duration, and the rate of infusion
what is the difference between a controller and a pump?
controllers are gravity-run systems that make the IV solution infuse. pumps push the fluid into the patient at a rate greater than gravity. extravasation and infiltration are more likely to occur, and to a greater degree with a pump
what do the signs and symptoms of an IV infection include? how long does it take you to see them?
redness, heat, and pain around the site. it can take up to 24 hours to see the symptoms after the infection begins
what are some IV solutions and drugs that can damage veins?
hypertonic solutions, potassium chloride, antibiotics, calcium, magnesium, alcohol, vasoconstrictive drugs, and chemotherapy drugs
what are the s/s of phlebitis?
pain at the site, reddened warm areas, or hard streaks that follow the vein
what are the s/s of infiltration and possible extravasation?
burning or pain at the IV site, swelling, paleness of the skin, coolness or warmth around the site, lack of blood return, and leakage around the needle
s/s of fluid overload
rapid pulse, elevated blood pressure, bulging of the hand and neck veins, shortness of breath, coughing, and pitting edema
what should you always use when infusing IV fluids that contain potassium?
controller or pump
what should you always use for small children or infants?
microdrip tubing and volume-controlled IV administration sets
how often should you assess the mental status of an older person on IV therapy?
every 4 hours
how long should you apply pressure to the IV site after removing the needle
2-5 minutes
