Terms and Definitions Flashcards
Air Embolism
Obstruction of the circulation system by air that has gained entrance to veins
Anastomosis
Surgical formation of a passage between two blood vessels
Anoxic
Suffering from a reduced supply of oxygen
Aseptic Technique
A mechanism employed to reduce potential contamination
Aseptic Preparation
A procedure designed to preclude contamination by microorganisms
Apirate
To draw by suction- typically performed prior to injection by drawing blood through a syringe
Artery
A vessel that carries blood from the heart through the body
Back check valve
Device in primary tubing that assists in preventing backflow of secondary fluid into the primary line
Bactericidal
Destruction of bacteria
Bacteriostatic
Inhibiting or slowing the growth of bacteria
Blanching
Occurs when the skin takes on a whiteish appearance as blood flow to the region is prevented. This can be indicative of IV extravasation
Bolus
A dose of a substance (such as a drug) given intravenously; specifically, a large dose given for the purpose of rapidly achieving the needed therapeutic concentration in the bloodstream (sometimes referred to as “IV push”). Med given quickly to elicit a rapid response from the medication being administered or increase level of med within the blood system
Capillaries
Minute blood vessels that connect the smallest arterioles to the smallest venules. Have a single layer of epithelial cells enabling blood and tissue fluid the ability to exchange various substances (gases, fluids, electrolytes, salts and nutrients)
CI
Continuous Infusion
uninterrupted injection of liquid into a vein
Cannula
A flexible tube containing a needle which may be inserted into a blood vessel. The caliber or cannula is indicated in gauge, with 14 being a very large cannula and 24-26 the smallest. The most common sizes are 16-gauge (midsize line used for blood donation and transfusion) and 18- and 20-gauge (all-purpose line for infusions and blood draws). A sheath to infuse fluid into the vein.
Cannula - ported
ported cannula has an injection port on the top for administering medicine
Catheter
A hollow, flexible tube medical device for insertion into vessels to permit injection or withdrawal of fluids. The part of the catheter that remains outside the skin is called the connecting hub.
Cellulitis
A skin infection caused by bacteria
Central IV line
Flows through a catheter with its tip within a large vein.
Central Vascular Access Device (CVAS)
A catheter inserted into a centrally located vein where the tip resides in the vena cava and permits either intermittent or continuous infusion or access to the venous system.
Colloids
Fluids which contain larger insoluble molecules, such as gelatin, used in IV drips
Colloidal
Suspension in which small particles are dispersed through the liquid.
Compartment Syndrome
A painful condition resulting from the expansion of overgrowth of enclosed tissue within its anatomical enclosure producing pressure that interferes with circulation and adversely affects the function and health of the tissue itself. It can be caused by IV infiltration/extravasation and can result in nerve damage and/or amputation The condition often requires a fasciotomy to relieve the pressure.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
CRPS is a chronic pain condition that is believed to be the result of dysfunction in the CNS and ONS. Typical features include dramatic changes in the color and temperature of the skin over the affected limb or body part, accompanied by intense burning pain, skin sensitivity, sweating, and swelling. CRPS is frequently triggered by tissue injury.
Conscious Sedation
minimally depressed level of consciousness where the patient retains the ability to breathe independently and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and/or verbal commands
