IV therapy

Question 1

Advantages of IV therapy (4)

Answer 1

1. replace fluid
2. transfuse blood
3. deliver medication
4. correct electrolyte imbalances

Question 2

Disadvantages of IV therapy (8)

Answer 2

1. adverse rx’s
2. incompatibilities
3. infections
4. damage
5. fluid overload
6. overdose
7. hindrance
8. potentiate electrolyte imbalances

Question 3

Sites to avoid IV cannulation (7)

Answer 3

1. Legs, ankles, and feet
2. Sclerosed or thrombosed veins
3. Veins that are knotted or tortuous
4. Veins below an infiltrated site or areas of phlebitis
5. Areas of inflammation, disease, bruising, or breakdown
6. Veins of surgically compromised or injured extremities
7. Dominant hands (if possible) and extremities with AV shunts

Question 4

Complications of IV therapy (5)

Answer 4

1. Fluid overload
2. Infection
3. Phlebitis
4. infiltration
5. Extravasation

Question 5

Methods of admin (4)

Answer 5

1. Intermittent
2. Continuous
3. Bolus
4. Push

Question 6

IV med advantages (6)

Answer 6

1. Direct access to circulatory system - instant action
2. Instant drug action and drug termination
3. Rapid treatment
4. Better control of rate
5. Great for those w/ Gi tract limitations
6. Good for meds that irritate gastric mucosa

Question 7

IV med disadvantages (8)

Answer 7

1. Reconstitution errors
2. Venous Spasm
3. Drug incompatibles
4. Impaired drug absorption
5. Speed Shock
6. Chemical Phlebitis
7. Extravasation of Vesicants
8. Air embolism

Question 8

Causes of Air embolism (5)

Answer 8

1. Solution runs dry
2. air in tubing
3. loose connections
4. improper removal of CVAD
5. poor technique with dressing or tubing changes

Question 9

S/S of Air embolism (8)

Answer 9

1. Dyspnea
2. tachypnea
3. lightheadedness
4. palpitations
5. drop in BP
6. weakness
7. cyanosis
8. expiratory wheezes

Question 10

Interventions for air embolism (5)

Answer 10

1. Call for help
2. put PT in left trendelenburg
3. Admin o2
4. Monitor VS
5. Have emergency equipment ready

Question 11

S/S of extravasation (4)

Answer 11

1. Pain or burning at IV site
2. Skin tightness at site
3. Blanching and coolness of skin
4. Dependent edema

Question 12

Prevention of Extrvasation (4)

Answer 12

1. Dilute meds as recommended
2. Avoid use of high pressure pumps
3. Assess & monitor IV site
4. Teach patient what to report

Question 13

Causes of Venous spasm (3)

Answer 13

1. Viscous solutions
2. Too rapid administration
3. Cold or irritating solutions

Question 14

Symptoms of Venous Spasm (2)

Answer 14

1. Sharp pain at the IV site
2. Pain radiating up the arm with the IV site

Question 15

Prevention of Venous Spasm (5)

Answer 15

1. Dilute meds as recommended
2. Admin solutions and meds at room temperature
3. Admin at recommended rate
4. Restart questionable IVs
5. Consider a warm compress during infusion

Question 16

Causes of Chemical Phlebitis (4)

Answer 16

1. Too rapid infusion
2. Presence of particulate matter in solution
3. Improper dilution or reconstitution when preparing meds
4. Administration of irritating meds

Question 17

Prevention of Chemical Phlebitis (5)

Answer 17

1. Use an in-line filter for meds that do not reconstitute completely
2. Increase volume of dilution
3. CVAD or larger peripheral veins for IV site
4. Slow the rate of infusion
5. Restart any questionable IVs