Chapter 179 Intraosseous catheters

Question 1

What are indications for needing to place an IO catheter?

Answer 1

Small patient size
Trauma to vascular sites
Obesity
Peripheral edema

Question 2

True or false: administration of drugs via an IO catheter rapidly enters the circulation?

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What is the primary contraindication to placing an IO catheter?

Answer 3

Fractured bone - can lead to compartment syndrome

Question 4

What are the most common IO catheter sites?

Answer 4

Trochanteric fossa of the femur
Humeral head
Flat medial surface of the proximal tibia

Question 5

What medications are contraindicated to give IO?

Answer 5

Dextrose
Sodium bicarbonate
Hypertonic saline
(Mainly hyperosmolar fluids)

Question 6

What are the complications of placing an IO catheter?

Answer 6

Extravasation*** -->can lead to compartment syndrome
Fracture
Osteomyelitis
Skin abscess
Cellulitis
Fat embolism