IV therapy Flashcards
what are signs and symptoms of issues in an IV line
- swelling
- heat
- pain
- inflammation
- redness
- a palpable venous cord (hard vein)
- pain related to local inflammation of the vein or near the insertion site
why is IV therapy important
It can be life saving in certain conditions - loss of fluid can cause problems from headaches to seizures, to death.
when do water requirements increase?
With fever, burns, surgical drains, GI loss via vomiting/diarrhea, tachypnea, polyuria, sweating.
what is a colloid solution?
Large molecules that do not pass cell membranes - when infused they remain in the intravascular compartment, and draw fluid from extravascular spaces.
what is a crystalloid solution?
Small molecules that easily pass through cell membranes, allowing transfer from the bloodstream into the cells and body tissues - this increase fluid volume in both interstitial and intravascular spaces.
what are the three components of a crystalloid solution?
Isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic.
what is an isotonic solution?
Movement of water out of the cell is balanced by movement of water into the cell. 0.9% NaCl (saline) solution is isotonic used to prevent damage to cells.
what is a hypotonic solution?
Total concentration is LESS THAN that of a cell- it has a low solute concentration and a high water concentration compared to body fluids- creating water movement into a cell. Cells may burst if excess water is not removed from the cell.
what is hypertonic solution
Total concentration is GREATER than that of another solution- it has a high solute concentration and a low water concentration that body fluids- This means that water inside the cell will flow outwards to maintain equilibrium, causing the cell to shrink.
what are some examples of isotonic solutions?
- 0.9% NaCl
- lactated ringers solution
- 5% dextrose in water
what would 0.9% NaCl saline be used for?
To treat LOW extracellular fluid from shock, haemorrhage, severe vomiting/diarrhoea, metabolic acidosis. Fluid of choice for resus. Should be used for caution with volume overload.
what are the two components of fluid therapy?
(1) Maintenance therapy - undertaken when pt is not expected to eat/drink normally for a long time (e.g. on ventilator, perioperatively)
(2) fluid resuscitation - correction of volume abnormalities or electrolytes (e.g. in hypovolemic shock)
why do people need blood transfusions?
- Injury
- infection
- disease
- blood loss
- anaemia (low red blood cells)
what are signs and symptoms of a blood transfusion reaction?
Anxiety, chest/back pain, breathing difficulty, fever, chills, clammy skin, rapid pulse, low BP, nausea
what to do during a transfusion reaction?
1) stop transfusion
2) treart reaction and symptoms
3) reassess
