IV THERAPY

Question 1

What is the role of the Boards of Nursing (BON) in IVT training?

Answer 1

IVT training is required before, but under BON Resolution No. 38 series of 2016, IVT training is no longer a pre-employment requirement as of Nov 19, 2016.

Question 2

What does CHED Memorandum Order No. 14, S. 2009 state regarding IVT?

Answer 2

It incorporates basic IVT into the BSN curriculum.

Question 3

What is the definition of intravenous therapy (IVT)?

Answer 3

The insertion of a needle or catheter into a vein to administer medication and fluids based on a physician’s prescription.

Question 4

List purposes of IV therapy.

Answer 4

Sustains clients who can’t take substances orally, replaces water/electrolytes/nutrients, delivers larger doses of medication, and provides immediate vascular access for rapid delivery.

Question 5

What are the diagnostic purposes of IV therapy?

Answer 5

Venous blood testing and contrast-enhanced imaging.

Question 6

What are the therapeutic purposes of IV therapy?

Answer 6

Fluid resuscitation, medication administration, blood transfusion, and parenteral nutrition.

Question 7

What are some disadvantages of IV therapy?

Answer 7

Risks of bleeding, infiltration, infection, allergic reactions, limits patient activities, and is costly.

Question 8

Where should an IV site ideally be located?

Answer 8

The most distal site, starting with metacarpals; should be palpable and have suitable veins in hand, forearm, and antecubital area.

Question 9

What are important considerations when choosing an IV site?

Answer 9

Patient’s condition, age, vein size and condition, type and duration of therapy, and hand function.

Question 10

Name IV sites to avoid.

Answer 10

Edematous extremity, weak/traumatized/paralyzed arm, arm on mastectomy side, arm with arteriovenous fistula, infected skin.

Question 11

What IV cannula is used for children and older clients with fragile veins?

Answer 11

A butterfly infusion set.

Question 12

What size gauge is most commonly used for IV cannulas?

Answer 12

22 gauge.

Question 13

What does a larger cannula diameter allow?

Answer 13

A higher fluid rate, used for rapid emergency fluid administration with sizes 14, 16, 18, and 19.

Question 14

Differentiate between JP and Blake drains.

Answer 14

JP drain is measured in mm and is not circular; Blake drain uses French units and is circular.

Question 15

What are the primary components of an IV set?

Answer 15

Spike end, drip chamber, roller clamp, y-site, and adapter end for attachment.

Question 16

What is the purpose of an intermittent infusion device?

Answer 16

To maintain intravascular accessibility for intermittent administration and ensure patency with periodic flushing.

Question 17

What complications can arise from IV therapy?

Answer 17

Infiltration, circulatory overload, superficial thrombophlebitis, air embolism, drug overload, nerve damage, speed shock, phlebitis, venous spasm, septicemia, allergic reactions, hematoma, thrombosis.

Question 18

What are interventions for infiltration?

Answer 18

Change site and apply a cold compress.

Question 19

What are interventions for circulatory overload?

Answer 19

Slow infusion to KVO, place in high Fowler’s position, and administer diuretics or bronchodilators as needed.

Question 20

What are interventions for superficial thrombophlebitis?

Answer 20

Change site every 72 hrs, use a large vein for irritating fluids, stabilize venipuncture, and apply a warm compress.

Question 21

What are interventions for air embolism?

Answer 21

Prevent IV bottle from running dry, prime tubing, and place patient in Trendelenburg position.

Question 22

What are indications for IV therapy?

Answer 22

To maintain or correct hydration, provide parenteral nutrition, administer drugs, and transfuse blood.

Question 23

What is a contraindication for IV therapy?

Answer 23

Administering irritant fluids or drugs through peripheral access.

Question 24

What are essential components of a physician’s IV therapy prescription?

Answer 24

Patient’s name, solution type and amount, flow rate, drug type/dose/frequency, other factors, and MD’s signature.

Question 25

What patient factors should be assessed before IV therapy?

Answer 25

Clinical status, diagnosis, age, dominant arm, vein condition, cannula size, solution type, and therapy duration.

Question 26

What are key steps in preparing IV therapy?

Answer 26

Check expiration date, clarity, packaging, match label with prescription, label added medications, and check infusion pump functionality.

Question 27

List the Rights of Medication for IV therapy.

Answer 27

Right Drug, Client, Route, Dose, Frequency/Time, Assessment, Approach, Education, Evaluation, Documentation, Refuse, Principle of Care, Prescription, Nurse Clinician.

Question 28

Why is proper anchoring important in IV therapy?

Answer 28

Prevents movement of cannula, irritation of vein, and allows normal blood flow.

Question 29

What information should be documented for IV therapy?

Answer 29

Size, type, length of cannula/needle, insertion person, date/time of insertion, site condition, complications, interventions, patient teaching, nurse’s signature.

Question 30

What are policies for proper documentation in IV therapy?

Answer 30

Never chart ahead, identify who did procedure, avoid space in charting, late entries identified, avoid errors, no tampering, report to MD.

Question 31

What infection control practices are essential in IV therapy?

Answer 31

Handwashing, approved antiseptic for skin, avoid shaving site, do not reuse catheter/needle.

Question 32

When should IV sites and tubing be changed?

Answer 32

IV site every 48-72 hrs, tubing every 48 hrs or after blood products administration.

Question 33

What are procedural problems associated with IV therapy?

Answer 33

Fluctuating flow rate, runaway IV, sluggish IV, loose/disconnected line, clogged filter, aseptic break, leaks.

Question 34

Name risks associated with IV therapy.

Answer 34

Exposure to infectious organisms, needlestick injury, chemical exposure.