Methods

Question 1

If a medication is ordered to be given Intravenously typically what procedures/routines apply?

Answer 1

1. IV Abx/medications (in a vial) are added to a mini bag consisting of either Normal Saline or 5% Dextrose.
2. IV narcotic/anti-nausea medications are also added to a mini bag consisting of NS and 5% Dextrose and typically infuse within 10 – 15 minutes.
3. If the patient requires a medication/narcotic to be infused quickly via IV due to pain issues/nausea, etc. the RN may administer as an IV Push.

Question 2

What is the medication profile?

Answer 2

A profile of all medications taken by the patient (current or discontinued) in the previous 2 weeks.

This is sent daily by the Pharmacy to the Nursing Unit.

Question 3

What happens to the patient profile in the patient’s chart when the Pharmacy sends a new one?

Answer 3

Discard the old profile

Question 4

Where is the Medication Profile filed?

Answer 4

In front of the current Physician’s Order or in the Medication Section

Question 5

intravenous therapy or IV therapy

Answer 5

The administration of fluids, medications, and blood or blood components directly into a vein.

Question 6

What is an intravenous drip?

Answer 6

Continuous administration of fluids during IV therapy

Question 7

What is the fastest way to deliver fluids and medications throughout the body?

Answer 7

intravenous route

Question 8

What are 5 uses of intravenous therapy?

Answer 8

1. Maintenance therapy – provides the necessary nutrients to meet the daily needs for water, electrolytes, and nutritional replacement.
2. Replacement therapy – when a patient has had a deficit of fluids and electrolytes over time due to situations such as vomiting, diarrhea, and starvation.
3. When a patient requires a rapid or continuous infusion of medications.
4. When a patient is unable to take medications by mouth due to vomiting, unconsciousness, or unwillingness to take medications orally.
5. When a patient requires transfusion of whole blood or blood components.

Question 9

What are the most commonly used intravenous solutions?

Answer 9

Specific combinations of water, sugar (in the form of dextrose), sodium chloride, and other electrolytes

Question 10

Who administers the IV therapy?

Answer 10

RN

Question 11

IV fluids come in what size bags?

Answer 11

50 ml to 1000 ml

Question 12

IV Bolus / IV Push

Answer 12

A patient needs a large volume of fluids immediately

RN needs to be notified immediately

Question 13

What can be infused into intravenous therapy?

Answer 13

• fluids
• electrolytes
• medications
• nutrients

Question 14

How is the flow rate regulated?

Answer 14

Roller clamp or IV pump

Question 15

How often is an IV bag changed?

Answer 15

Every 24 hours

Question 16

How often is the IV tubing changed?

Answer 16

Every 72 hours

Question 17

How often is the IV changed?

Answer 17

Every 7 days

Question 18

How often is the IV dressing changed?

Answer 18

Every 2-3 days

Question 19

Intravenous therapy can be used _____

Answer 19

TKVO

Question 20

Why is intravenous therapy referred to as a drip?

Answer 20

Many systems of administration employ a “drip chamber”

Question 21

What is an intermittent infusion?

Answer 21

Intravenous therapy that uses the same techniques as an intravenous drip, but after the complete dose of medication has been given, the tubing is disconnected from the IV access device.

Question 22

Is an intermittent infusion continuous?

Answer 22

No, but is used when patient requires medications/antibiotics at certain times

Question 23

What is a saline (heparin) lock?

Answer 23

A venous access device placed on a peripheral intravenous catheter. It establishes an intermittent line when IV fluids are no longer needed but IV entry is still required.

Question 24

When is a saline (heparin) lock used?

Answer 24

Commonly used for the administration of medication and consists of a plastic needle with an attached injection cap.

Question 25

What is a saline flush?

Answer 25

When a saline lock is ordered by the Physician the RN will automatically flush the device with a saline solution prn. The saline lock is kept patent by saline flushes.

Question 26

What is an infusion pump?

Answer 26

An electrical device used in the administration of IV fluid and it measures a precise amount of fluid (regulates drips per hour) to be infused for a stated amount of time.

Question 27

Where do you order the infusion pump from?

Answer 27

Sterile Supply Dept.

Question 28

What are the 3 components of an IV order?

Answer 28

• IV
• Solution
• Flowrate

Question 29

5% DW (D5W)

Answer 29

5% dextrose in water

Question 30

5% D/S

Answer 30

5% dextrose in saline

Question 31

2/3 1/2 (Code 8)

Answer 31

2/3 dextrose and 1/3 saline

Question 32

NS (Normal Saline)

Answer 32

Saline solution

Question 33

D5 1/2 NS

Answer 33

5% dextrose in 1/2 strength NS

Question 34

D5 1/4 NS

Answer 34

5% dextrose in 1/4 strength NS

Question 35

D5LR

Answer 35

5% dextrose in Lactated Ringer’s

Question 36

5% DW c̅ 20 mEq KCl/L

Answer 36

5% dextrose in water with 20 milliequivalents of potassium chloride per liter

Question 37

What are 2 IV fluid additives?

Answer 37

• electrolytes

- KCl

Question 38

If there is a change in the solution or flowrate of an IV, what needs to happen?

Answer 38

Physician must write a new order

Question 39

What happens to existing orders when a new order is given?

Answer 39

New orders cancel existing orders

Question 40

Order: June 2
IV D5NS @ 125 ml/hr

New order: June 9
∆ IV to 80 cc/hr

a) What happens to the original IV order on the Kardex?
b) How should the new order appear on the Kardex?
c) Do you need to do anything with the MAR?

Answer 40

a) Previous order is erased, new date is noted and changes made.

b) Should read:
June 9 IV D5NS @ 80cc/hr

c) No

Question 41

Order: Sept 4
IV D5W c̅ 20 mEq KCL/L @ 125 ml/hr

New order: Sept 6
∆ IV to IV D5NS c̅ 20 mEq KCl/L

a) What happens to the original IV order on the Kardex?
b) How should the new order appear on the Kardex?
c) Do you need to do anything with the MAR?

Answer 41

a) Previous order is erased, new date is noted and changes made.

b) Should read:
Sept 6 IV D5NS c̅ 20 mEq KCl @ 125ml/hr

c) D/C first order which will be on the current MAR and write the new order in the next available line on the MAR

Should read:
IV D5NS c̅ 20 mEq KCl/L @ 125 ml/hr