Initiating and Monitoring Intravenous Infusion

Question 1

What should the patient be wearing?

Answer 1

IV gown

Question 2

How many inches is the roller clamp places on the IV tubing below the drip chamber and clamps?

Answer 2

1-2 inches

Question 3

What motion is used to insert spike into the port?

Answer 3

twisting motion

Question 4

How much do we allow the bag to fill from compressing the drip chamber and releasing?

Answer 4

1/2 full

Question 5

How do we prime the tubing?

Answer 5

Remove protective cap on end of
tubing being careful not to touch.
Slowly open roller clamp to allow
fluid to travel to distal end.
Reclamp roller clamp

Question 6

What do we use to adjust the drip rate to current orders?

Answer 6

Roller clamp

Question 7

What do we mark on the tubing and bag?

Answer 7

date and time of initiation

Question 8

How is the intravenous infusion monitored?

Answer 8

Compares intravenous fluid
currently infusing with the
ordered solution.
Checks label for patient’s  name,
date/time solution initiated (24
hours).
Checks expiration date of
solution.
Inspects solution for
discoloration, cloudiness, 
particulate matter.
Height of solution above
insertion site = 36 inches.
Inspects bag for tears or leaks.

Question 9

How full should the drip chamber be?

Answer 9

1/2 full

Question 10

What do we inspect the tubing for?

Answer 10

kinks, air, blockages

Question 11

What are signs of infiltration?

Answer 11

decreased flow rate, swelling, pallor (unhealthy paleness), coolness, and discomfort at above the needle insertion site

Question 12

What are signs of phlebitis?

Answer 12

inflammation of the vein, redness, swelling, warmth,and pain along the vein above the IV insertion site

Question 13

What do we inspect the insertion site for?

Answer 13

bleeding, leakage of fluid, and exudate
check for blood return: lowers IV bag below level of IV site or attaches syringe to y-connector, aspirates assessing for blood return