Intravenous Solutions

Question 1

What are the two types of infusions?

Answer 1

1. Continuous
   Provides essential fluid replacement
   Keeps the veins open
2. Intermittent
   administered over a longer period compared to an IV push

Greater safety for medication that should be injected over a period of several minutes

More dilute than medication administered by IV push

less irritating to the vein

Question 2

What are the two Characteristics desired in an IV solution?

Answer 2

1. Clarity
   *clear not colourless to indicate that drug is completely dissolved
   *free of visible particulate matter
   *Exception is IV fat emulsions since it is milky in colour
2. Sterility
   * Free from bacteria and other microorganisms
   * cannot be partially sterile, either it is sterile or not
   * Good aseptic technique must be used to maintain sterility
   * Sterility, pH, isotonicity cannot be assessed visually

Question 3

Characteristics of pH in IV solution

Answer 3

IV solutions should not vary significantly from the normal pH of the blood plasma

Plasma is slightly alkaline (normal pH ~ 7.4)

Question 4

Explain hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic in relation to concentration of dissolved subtances compared to red blood cells.

What two solutions are isotonic and at what percentages?

Answer 4

Hypotonic solution –containing a concentration of dissolved substances less than red blood cells

Hypertonic solution –containing a higher concentration of dissolved substances higher than red blood cells

Isotonic solution –concentration of solution the same of red blood cells

0.9% sodium chloride and 5% dextrose are approximately isotonic

Question 5

Why is isotonicity important?

Answer 5

These solutions minimize patient discomfort and damage to the red blood cells

Question 6

What factors influence the Volume of solution infused?

What are The most common sizes of IV solutions ?

Answer 6

Depends on the condition of the patient

volume of fluid is minimized for Restricted fluid intake

large volume of solution to replace fluid loss due
to the disease

1000, 500, 100 , 50 and 25 mL

Question 7

What is the ideal Storage conditions for solutions?

Answer 7

Stores at room temperature or in a cool
place

Do not freeze LVPs (100– 1000 mls) in glass
Will cause cracking/breaking/ concentrated
solutions to precipitate

Do not store at high temperatures
as this may accelerate the decomposition of some
drug

Question 8

What are the Main Types of IV Solutions Used?

Answer 8

1. Sodium chloride
2. Dextrose (glucose)
3. Ringers

Question 9

Sodium Chloride

Answer 9

0.9% - normal saline also 0.45 , 0.2%
Primary source of fluid and electrolytes

Question 10

Dextrose

Answer 10

5% most common
Higher conc. too hypertonic to be infused
directly
Used in compounding specialized solutions
Primary source of fluid and carbohydrates for nutrition
Combinations of sodium and dextrose are available
5% dextrose and 0.45% NaCl
5% dextrose and 0.2% NaCl

Question 11

Ringers

Answer 11

Contains primary electrolytes found in plasma.
Used for fluid replacement and source of
electrolytes.
modified by addition of sodium lactate. (ringers lactate or lactated ringers)
these two types of solutions do not contain therapeutic amounts of potassium and
calcium

Question 12

Maintenance therapy

Answer 12

*Patients routine daily fluid and electrolyte needs
*Restricted oral intake requires fluid and electrolytes replaced IV

lost through normal body respiration, perspiration, urination etc. Patient may receive as many as 3 liters solution daily

Question 13

Replacement Therapy

Answer 13

Restoring acute losses of fluid and electrolytes that can be due to Surgery, trauma, burns, shock.

Should closely approximate the electrolyte content of the body fluids lost