IV Therapy - Electrolytes

Question 1

What are the four main advantages of IV therapy?

Answer 1

1. Allows or maintains an emergency access to the circulatory system)
   -Bypasses the GI tract
2. Offers a route of administration when other routes are unavailable
   - pt is NPO
3. Therapeutic blood levels of medications are maintained with continue fluids.
4. Control the rate of administration

Question 2

what are some disadvantages of IV therapy? (8)

Answer 2

1. Damage : to the vein
2. Overload : fluid
3. Overdose : medication
4. Infection/sepsis- Use proper technique as well as maintaining an access (watch your dressing)
5. Patient Activity: Decrease in patient activity due to IV pump
6. Incompatibility: of fluid/medication
7. Adverse Reactions
8. Electrolyte Imbalance: keep a close eye on labs

Question 3

What is Phlebitis?

Answer 3

inflammation of the vein

Question 4

what are some things that can cause phlebitis? (5)

Answer 4

1. Poor aseptic technique
2. High osmolarity infusions
3. Improperly diluted medications
4. Incorrect cannula gauge
5. Too rapid infusion rate

Question 5

Signs and sypmtoms of phlebitis? 4

Answer 5

1. Tenderness
2. Redness
3. Heat
4. Edema

Question 6

how do you prevent phlebitis? 4

Answer 6

1. Rotate insertion site
2. Dilute properly
3. Slow infusion rate
4. Aseptic technique

Question 7

what are your interventions for phlebitis? 3

Answer 7

1. Stop drug infusion
2. Remove cannula
3. Apply warm compress

Question 8

what is thrombophlebitis?

Answer 8

Formation of clot and inflammation in the vein
Usually occurs after phlebitis

Question 9

what are some things that can cause thrombophlebitis? 4

Answer 9

1. injury to vein
2. infection
3. chemical irritation
4. prolonged use of the same vein

Question 10

what are the signs and symptoms of thrombophlebitis? 4

Answer 10

1.Tenderness
2. Redness
3. Heat
4. Edema

Question 11

what do you do to prevent thrombophlebitis? 4

Answer 11

1. Smooth Insertion
2. Asepsis
3. Rotation of insertion sites
4. Monitor site frequently

Question 12

what are the interventions you will do if your patient has thrombophlebitis?

Answer 12

1. Stop Drug infusion
2. Remove cannula (may culture tip)
3. Apply warm compress

Question 13

what are some things that can cause an air embolism? 5

Answer 13

1. Solution container runs dry
2. Improper priming of tubing
3. Loose connections
4. Poor technique in dressing and tubing changes for central lines
5. Improper removal of central lines

Question 14

signs and symptoms of an air embolism? 8

Answer 14

1. Dyspnea, unequal breath sounds
2. Cyanosis
3. Hypotension
4. Weak, rapid pulse
5. Loss of consciousness
6. Chest, shoulder, or low back pain
7. Shock
8. Death

Question 15

how do you treat an air embolism ? 8

Answer 15

1. Immediately clamp IV/STOP infusion
2. Call for help
3. Place patient in 4.Trendelenburg on left side
4. Valsalva maneuver contraindicated
5. Administer Oxygen
6. Monitor vital signs
7. Have Emergency equipment ready