IV and Complications

Question 1

Infiltration

Answer 1

IV passes through vein, or into subcutaneous area, patient moves excessively causing edema. Apply direct pressure.

Question 2

Thrombophlebitis

Answer 2

Infection of IV site, usually by aseptic technique. Redness and soreness. Doesn’t appear until hours after. Heat pack can help relieve pain.

Question 3

Occlusion

Answer 3

Physical blockage of a vein or in catheter when flow rate is too slow. Blood will bounce back and possibly clot.

Question 4

Vein Irritation

Answer 4

Itching, stinging, burning around IV site immediately. Monitor for allergic reactions. (If redness appears, it’s thrombophlebitis).

Question 5

Hematoma

Answer 5

Vein perforation or improper IV removal can cause blood to pool causing tightness and pain. Older people or anyone on anti-platelet medications are at higher risk.

Question 6

Arterial Puncture

Answer 6

Blood flow and colour will be obvious. Apply pressure for at least 5 minutes.

Question 7

Allergic Reactions

Answer 7

Rare from IVs. Discontinue solution but leave IV catheter in the patient.

Question 8

Pyrogenic Reactions

Answer 8

Fever caused within 30 minutes of IV start. Discontinue and inspect bag for contamination or muddy fluid.

Question 9

Circulatory Overload

Answer 9

Too much fluid in the vascular system. Generally can handle 2-3 litres extra. Can cause rales in lungs, JVD, hypertension, dyspnea.

Question 10

Air Embolus

Answer 10

Dyspnea, irregular breathing patterns, shock, cyanosis. Place patient on their left.

Question 11

Vasovagal Reaction

Answer 11

Anxiety can cause vasodilation at the sight of blood or needles. Symptoms of shock, treat as such. Start the IV.

Question 12

Catheter Shear

Answer 12

Shortness of breath, dyspnea. Place patient on their left (as with Air Emboli). Start IV.

Question 13

IM injections

Answer 13

90 degree angle. Deltoids, thighs, stomach.

Question 14

Method of fluid extraction in sealed vials

Answer 14

Pull air into needle in the same quantity of the desired amount of fluid + a bit more for air release later. Empty air into vial, then take up liquid.

Question 15

6 Rights

Answer 15

TRAMPD

Time
Route
Amount
Medication
Person
Documentation

Question 16

Macrodrip set

Answer 16

10gtt/ml

Question 17

Microdrip set

Answer 17

60gtt/ml

Question 18

Choosing an IV site

Answer 18

Distal to proximal
Straightest vein, bouncy and round
Away from joints
Opposite extremity of a mastectomy

Question 19

Onset : Intravenous, Intraosseous

Answer 19

30-60 seconds

Question 20

Onset : Sublingual

Answer 20

3-5 minutes

Question 21

Onset : Intramuscular

Answer 21

10-20 minutes

Question 22

Onset : Oral

Answer 22

30-90 minutes

Question 23

Intracellular Fluid

Answer 23

45% of body weight. Intracellular.

Question 24

Extracellular Fluid

Answer 24

15% of body weight.

Interstitial Fluid : fluid bathing the cells including cerebrospinal fluid
Intravascular Fluid : fluid in the vessels - plasma

Question 25

Dehydration

Answer 25

Lack of total water weight. Fluid is moved towards the intravascular area and as a result, systemic dehydration occurs. Can cause orthostatic hypotension, DLOC

Question 26

Overhydration

Answer 26

Fluid fills the intravascular space, leaks into interstitial space, and then into the intracellular space causing fluid backup and edema.