IV Complications

Question 1

What is venous spasm?

Answer 1

-Severe vein irritation due to medication, cold fluid, blood product or rapid flow rate

Question 2

What are the symptoms of venous spasm?

Answer 2

-Pain

Question 3

What is the treatment of venous spasm?

Answer 3

• Slow rate

- Warm fluids

Question 4

What is a haematoma?

Answer 4

-Leakage of blood from the vessels into the surrounding soft tissue

Question 5

What causes a haematoma?

Answer 5

-IV catheter passes through more than one wall of a vessel

Question 6

How can you try and prevent a haematoma?

Answer 6

• Observe IV site frequently

- Look for swelling/ tenderness

Question 7

What is the treatment of a haematoma?

Answer 7

-Ice/ warm compress depending on solution

Question 8

What is an air embolism?

Answer 8

• Air entering the venous system via an IV drip.

- Can travel and disrupt heart and lung function.

Question 9

What are the symptoms of air embolism?

Answer 9

• Difficulty breathing
• Low BP
• Chest pain
• Muscle/ joint pain

Question 10

What are the treatment of an air embolism?

Answer 10

-Place pt in the trendlenberg position to prevent air from travelling through the R) side and into the pulmonary arteries