IV Medications Flashcards
What are the pros and cons of IV administration?
Pros: Rapid effect; predictable concentrations achieved; avoids digestive system
Cons: Can cause toxicity; not able to remove once administered; requires sterility & competency
In what 3 ways can we administer IV medications?
- Continuous Infusion
- Intermittent Infusion
- Bolus
Outline Continuous IV Infusion
Installation of parenteral drug over several hours. Involves adding medication to large volume.
Outline Intermittent IV Infusion
Short term (up to 1 hour) parenteral administration of medication
Outline Bolus
Undiluted medication given quickly into vein, mostly via cannula
What are the pros and cons of central IV access?
Pros: Use concentrated preparations, reduced risk of extravasation/phlebitis, can use long-term.
Cons: More invasive, requires expertise, risk of sepsis
What are the pros and cons of peripheral IV access?
Pros: Easy to site, less invasive
Cons: Risk of phlebitis/extravasation, needs re-siting
Define drug stability
Ability of drug to maintain physical, chemical, therapeutic and microbial properties during time of storage and during duration of administration
Identify 4 factors which affect drug stability
Light
Temperature
Displacement volume
Compatibility
What effect does temperature have on drug stability?
Higher temperatures can cause drug breakdown and ineffective therapy
What effect does light have on drug stability?
More light exposure can lead to drugs to break down and ineffective therapy
Outline Displacement Value
Amount of volume (ml) that a drug takes up (in mg).
If 250mg amoxicillin has a displacement value of 0.2ml, how should to prepare 250mg amoxicillin in 5ml?
250 mg amoxicillin (0.2ml) + 4.8ml saline = 5ml total
Define compatibility
Whether drugs can be mixed together via single IV line without reaction/becoming ineffective, or whether two IV lines are required.
What are 5 signs of phlebitis?
- Tenderness
- Erythema (redness)
- Swelling
- Purulent discharge
- Palpable venous cord
