Intravenous Therapy Flashcards
What are some reasons we may use IV therapy?
To establish/maintain hydration, fluid balance, and electrolytes
To administer medications
To provide quick access in emergencies
To provide access to transfuse blood and blood products
Deliver long term therapies such as chemotherapy
To provide access for parenteral administration of Nutrition
What is IV Cannula?
A technique in which a cannula (thin tube) is places inside a vein to provide veneous access.
What is a central veneous line?
A long IV line that can go all the way up to a vein near or inside the heart
What is a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?
A thin flexible tube that inserts into a vein in the upper arm and is guided to a large vein above the superior vena cava, This is done to give intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, drugs, and take blood samples.
What is a port-a-cath?
A device used to draw blood and give treatments (used for longer term purposes).
What is the difference between crystalloid fluids and colloid fluids?
Crystalloid fluids are small molecules, cheap to use, and provide immediate fluid resuscitation although they increase odema
and
Colloid fluids may provide swifter volume expansion in the intravenous space although they are larger molecules (cost more) and can induce allergic reactions, blood clotting disorder, and kidney failure.
What is the flow rate?
The length of time which an infusion is prescribed (e.g 1 litre over 8 hours).
What are some things that affect the flow rate?
Height, amount of solution to be infused, time over which to be infused, patient positioning and movement, cannula size, and cannulation size/position.
When caring for patients with an IV what do we need to do?
Access the IV site and use the VIP score. (Everytime) and document this on the vital signs chart or patient track
What are the signs and symptoms of fluid overload?
Shortess of breath, odema, cough
What are the signs and symptoms of fluid overload
Stop the fluid - (Fluid restrictions)
What is Phlebitis?
Inflammation around the IV site
Whats the nursing management for Phlebitis?
You assess the insertion site as per hospital policy (pain, hourly checks, 4/24 checks when cannula is capped)
Ensure cannula is well secured, clean and dry and has an occlusive transparent dressing (dressing needs date/time documented on the IV dressing)
Protocal re cannula and tubing changes (per 48hrs)
What is Infiltration?
Occurs when the access device dislodges from the vein (fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue)
What are some signs and symptoms of Infiltration?
Swelling and pain at site, sluggish of infusion, lack of blood return
