Guidelines for IV Therapy

Question 1

General

Answer 1

• IV access is a procedure performed by cannulating a vein to gain medication access
• Is a faster route of administration of medication than other methods
• IV’s can only be installed by PCP’s or higher
• EMRs may maintain an IV
• EMRs may maintain a solution at a maintenance rate
• Inspect for signs of pain, inflammation and too high or a sudden cessation of fluids in the drip chamber

Question 2

Common admin types w/in ambulances

Answer 2

• 10gtts, standard size for Normal Saline, referred to as a Macro drip set.
• 60gtts, can be used to administer Meds

Question 3

Flow Rate Formula

Answer 3

Drip Rate [gtts/min] = (Volume to be infused [ml] * Drip Factor [gtts/ml])/Time [mins]

Once you have calculated drops/minute, divide again by 60 to reduce num to drops/sec

Round resulting num up to nearest tenth & adjust drip chamber

Question 4

IV Maintenance

Answer 4

1. Ensure that the appropriate solution is running using 6 rights of Medication Administration
2. Calculate & maintain appropriate flow rate
3. Monitor flow rate & amt of solution
4. Reassess PT condition & IV on a regular basis (I.e. q5, q15)
   - Reassess Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC’s) & injury sites
   - Reassess vital signs
   - Inspect IV site, tubing, & solution bag
   - Observe for complications & take appropriate measures as necessary
   - Maintain appropriate measures as necessary
   - Maintain appropriate flow rate
   - Change solution bag as required