Test #1 Flashcards
Describe hypotonic vs hypertonic solutions
- Hypotonic solutions have less solutes outside of the cell, so fluids rush into the cell to try and even out the concentration.
- Hypertonic solutions have more solutes outside of the cell, so fluids leave the cell and move to the lower concentration.
What are 3 examples of hypertonic solutions
- 3% NS
- 5% NS
- 5% dextrose in 0.9% saline (D5NS)
- 5% dextrose in 0.45% saline
- 5% dextrose in LR
What are 2 examples of isotonic solutions
- LR
- 0.9% normal saline
What are 3 examples of hypotonic solutions
- 0.45% normal saline
- 2.5% dextrose in water
- 0.33% normal saline
Why would we want to give hypotonic and hypertonic solutions for high and low levels of sodium.
- Hypertonic goes with hyponatremia (pulls sodium back into your vascular system)
- Hypotonic goes with hypernatremia (pushes sodium back into your cells)
What should I remember about D5W
It’s technically an isotonic solution, but the body will metabolize the dextrose, which then turns into a hypotonic solution. (wants dextrose is absorbed, you’re left with just water = hypotonic).
Why would someone receive an isotonic solution
- We want to replace the extracellular fluid (without doing anything to the cells)
Can be caused by blood loss, D/V, dehydration
What is a good way to remember hypotonic
Think of tonic as the as the solution, and the hypo is stating that there is a low amount of solutes in the solution. This means the fluid will want to move to where it’s more concentrated - which is inside the cell. (the solution contains lower concentration of salt or solute than inside the cell)
- They also have a lower osmolality (less concentrated)
When might we give a hypotonic solution
(When there is cellular dehydration - we want water to go into the cells)
- DKA (because there is so much sugar in the blood, water is being pulled out of cells to try and balance, so we want to dilute these)
- Hyperglycemia (because of the reason above)
When do you not want to give a hypotonic solution 3
- Do not give to a patient with increased intercranial pressure, because it can cause fluid to go into the brain and swell. (basically don’t give to someone with a head injury)
- Do not give to burn victims
- Do not give to trauma patients
- Hypovolemia
(we don’t want to deplete their extracellular fluid volume any further)
If I don’t remember the names of the fluids, what’s a good way to determine if a fluid is hypertonic or hypotonic.
Hypertonic fluids will have a higher number like 5% or 10%, while hypotonic fluids will have a lower number like 0.45% (because they’re diluted).
What can hypertonic solutions cause
Fluid overload - because you’re pulling all of the fluid out of your cells and putting it into your vascular system
Why would we give a hypertonic solution
- Hypovolemia (want to move fluid into the blood vessels)
- Cerebral edema (helps to take fluid off of the brain)
What is the difference between crystalloid and colloid solutions
Crystalloids contain small molecules like electrolytes, while colloids contain large proteins and fats.
What are our crystalloid solutions
Our isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic solutions
What do colloids do
Because of their size, they pull fluid into the blood vessels (these are our volume expanders)
If a patient has 1 liter of blood loss, how much of a crystalloid will they need to replenish that loss
3L (because the crystalloids will also go out into the space, they won’t just stay in the vessel)
What are side effects of LR 4
- Dilutes hemoglobin
- May cause hyperchloremic acidosis (caused by the chloride)
- May cause electrolyte imbalance
- Proinflammatory in large doses
Why do we want to give colloids
Because we want fluid to stay in the vascular system and not leak out (the large molecules in colloids pull and keep fluid in the blood vessels)
Because colloids stay in the blood vessels, how much colloid solution would we need if we lost 1L of blood
We will only need 1L of colloids (it’s in a 1:1 ratio)
What are examples of colloids 5
- 5% albumin (this is the main one)
- 25% albumin
- Dextran 40
- Dextran 70
- Hydroxyethyl starches
Why are colloids not given very often
They’re expensive - so we like to give crystalloids first
Because crystalloids do not stay in the blood vessels, like colloids, what ratio should crystalloids be given in.
3L of crystalloids for every 1L of blood loss.
What is albumin used for
Volume expansion - so it’s used to treat hypovolemia, burns, ascites and hepatic failure.
What is dextran and hydroxyethyl starches used for
These stay in the system for a long time and can be used to treat shock.
What does a low and high osmolarity signify
Low osmolarity - you have excess fluids, so it will show that you have less solutes (because they’ve been diluted).
High osmolarity - you have low fluids, so it is going to show that you have high solutes.
If you have a lot of dehydration in the body, because you’re urinating a lot, in which case your body has high osmolarity, what will be the osmolarity of your urine
It will be low - because you’re urinating so much, that urine is going to be diluted (think in the body and urine are opposites).
Vise versa if you have low osmolarity in your body, because you have so much excess fluid, you’re not peeing a lot, so that urine is going to be concentrated, in which case have a high osmolarity.
What are two indications for hypotonic solutions
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia
What are three indications for hypertonic solutions
- Severe dehydration
- Severe electrolyte imbalances
What can cause hypovolemia
- GI (diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding)
- Urinary (diuretics)
- Integumentary (burns)
- Hyperglycemia and DKA
- Large wounds and hemorrhage
- Hyperventilation (expending fluid through respiration)
What are signs of hypovolemia
- Hypotension
- Low BP and High HR
- Weak, thready pulses
- Flattened neck veins
- Increased BUN and creatinine
- Falsely increased hematocrit (because it’s going to be concentrated due to the low fluid)
- High urine specific gravity
How would you manage someone with hypovolemia 4
- Treat the underlying cause
- Encourage oral fluids
- Administer replacement fluids
- Monitor I/Os, WT, tissue perfusion and LOC
What drugs can cause hypervolemia
Corticosteroids
What are a few other etiologies that can cause hypervolemia (that I don’t already know) 5
- Cirrhosis and liver failure
- Cancer
- Peripheral vascular disease
- High sodium intake
- Protein malnutrition
What are signs of hypervolemia (a lot)
- Crackles in lungs
- Pitting edema
- SOB
- Weight gain
- Ascities
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Orthopnea
- Decreased O2 sats
- Low serum osmolarity
- Falsely low H&H due to the dilution
What are signs of hypervolemia (a lot)
- Crackles in lungs
- Pitting edema
- SOB
- Weight gain
- Ascites
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Orthopnea
- Decreased O2 sats
- Low serum osmolarity
- Falsely low H&H due to the dilution
What are signs of hypervolemia (a lot)
- Crackles in lungs
- Pitting edema
- SOB
- Weight gain
- Ascites
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Orthopnea
- Decreased O2 sats
- Low serum osmolarity
- Falsely low H&H due to the dilution
When do we never want to give a hypotonic solution
When someone is having cerebral edema (because fluid will rush into the cells and cause them to burst)
When do we use hypertonic solutions 4
When we want to move fluid into the blood vessels
- Water intoxication
- Overuse of hypotonic solutions
- Elevated antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
- Renal failure
If a person has diabetes, where do we not want to put IVs
In their feet (because of the peripheral neuropathy and wound healing problems)
When do we see 14, 16 and 18 gauge catheters used
Trauma, surgery, massive transfusions, rapid administration of large volumes.
When do we see 20g catheters
Infusions or blood transfusions
When do we see 22g catheters
Infusions for small veins
When do we see 24g catheters
Infusions for fragile veins
What is phlebitis
Inflammation of the vein
What are the signs of phlebitis
Redness, warmth, discomfort, swelling.
What causes phlebitis 3
- The types of medications, like potassium (this is why we dilute things).
- Maybe a clot is forming
- The catheter is close to the vein
What would you do if you see phlebitis happening
Stop the infusion, remove the catheter
What is infiltration
Infusion of a medication, other than a vesicant (something that destroys the tissues) , that has leaked outside of the vein
What are the signs of infiltration
- Edematous (swelling from fluid)
- Pale, cool skin
- Tight skin
How can we prevent infiltration
- Make sure you’re getting a good blood return when you put in IV
- Make sure you get a good flush
- Secure the IV well
- Try to avoid putting IV in flexion areas
What is extravasation
Vesicant leaking into the tissue causing damage and necrosis
What do you if there is extravasation
- Stop the infusion
- Try to aspirate any drug out that you can
- Then take the catheter out
- Call doctor
- There are some antidotes that you can use
How do we administer an antidote if there is extravasation
You administer the antidote around he site of the extravasation using a 23-25g needle (using a different needle each time)
How can we help avoid mechanical failure
Continue with routine scheduled flushes and dressing changes
What is a midline
Halfway between a central line and an IV
Goes into the upper arm, but doesn’t go all the way to the heart (tip ends around the shoulder - midway to the heart).
Why would we use a midline
When you need to have the IV longer than a regular IV, but you don’t need it as long as a PICC (usually stays in for 1-4 weeks)
- Typically used for short term outpatient antibiotic therapy
Why would we use central lines
- Vesicants like chemotherapy and vasopressors (like epinephrine)
- Administration of TPN
- Outpatient antibiotic infusions
- Dialysis
- Poor peripheral access
Why is it helpful to have medication go straight to the heart in central lines
So it can be pumped out to the rest of the body right away
Where does the end of a central line rest
At the superior vena cava, where the medication can then go straight into the right atrium
What are the three types of centrals
- Centrally inserted catheters
- Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs)
- Ports
What are the two types of centrally inserted catheters
- Nontunneled (go through the subclavian or internal jugular vein or femoral vein)
- Tunneled (surgically placed
What do PICCs carry a higher risk of compared to other central lines
Deep vein thrombosis and phlebitis
Can you take a BP on the same arm with a PICC
NO
Why would it be helpful to have a triple lumen
You could use two lumens for incompatible drugs and then the third for blood sampling
Why does a tunneled catheter have less of a risk of infection
It has a dacron cuff, it’s a cuff that is coated in antimicrobial solution that goes on the outside of the catheter
What is non-tunneled typically used for
- Emergent use
- Outpatient
- Dialysis
What is the difference between a groshong and broviac/hickman?
- Groshong is a valve, and does not require the use of heparin (valve prevent backflow)
- Broviac/hickman, does not have a valve and needs heparin (blood will try and backflow and clot off)
What is a trialysis catheter used for
Short term emergency use for dialysis (kidneys are going to be ruined and they are going to die) (these still go straight to the heart, usually placed in the neck)
How many lumens does a trialysis catheter have
3
- Two ports for dialysis and one port for infusion and lab draws
How should ports for dialysis be locked
With a heparin lock and must be withdrawn prior to flushing
What is the advantage of a port
Low risk for infection, but remember that the population is at a high risk of infection.
What type of needle do we use to access a port
A huber needle
How long can a port stay in
6 years
What you put in a central line, what should you get to confirm placement
- Blood return
- An x-ray (you don’t want to accidently put it in the lungs)
- Ok order from physician to use
What are complications of central line
- Infections (this is why all central line procedures and dressing changes are sterile)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) (when the catheter goes into the lungs - you will hear decreased breath sounds)
- Bleeding (usually happens at femoral site - so prefer jugular or subclavian)
Besides the obvious, how can we avoid infections in central lines
- Antiseptic biopatch
- Daily chlorhexidine baths
What are some good tips for a central line dressing change
- Removing the old bandage is a clean procedure (just don’t touch the central line - you will need sterile gloves for this one), - Cleaning and applying a new bandage is a sterile procedure
- Allow chlorhexidine to dry for at least 2 minutes
- Dressing should be changed at least every 7 days
To flush a central line, how much saline should we use
The full 10mLs
When you’re flushing a central line, how should you flush it
With a propelling motion to get any clots out
How should we draw labs from a central line
- Flush with saline syringe, and then with the same syringe withdraw 5-10mLs of blood (using the propelling motion to draw up)
- Remove and discard that syringe
- With a new syringe withdraw specimen
- Once done, flush with 20mLs
How to discontinue a central line
- Position the patient supine and lower the HOB 10-15 degrees if not contraindicated, and have patient turn their head away from the catheter
- Remove dressing, sutures
- Cleanse the site
- Instruct the patient to hold their breath and bear down for about 10 seconds (this helps reduce an air embolism)
- Withdraw the line in one continuous motion
- Apply pressure to the site with a gauze for at least 2-5 minutes
- Patient may need to remain flat for 20 minutes or more
Where does an intraosseous go
Into the bone marrow
Why would we do an intraosseous
Usually do to a trauma - when there is no where else to put a line
Where are the preferred sites of an intraosseous
- Proximal tibia
- Distal tibia
- Proximal humerus
What are complications from an intraosseous
- Bone infection
- Compartment syndrome
What is good to know about nontunneled lines
- They are used in the short-term
- High risk for infection
What are our two long term lines
- Tunneled
- Ports
What do arterial lines allow us to do
Allows for continuous blood pressure monitoring and frequent lab draws
Where can arterial lines be
- Femoral
- Radial
- Brachial
- Axillary
What is interesting about arterial lines and reading the BPs
BPs can be different based on what artery is being used, so we use the MAP, which measures the average pressure (the MAP will be the same no matter what artery you’re using)
What should you compare arterial BPs too?
An automatic or manual BP cuff (you want to spot check with other BP measurements)
What test do they use to pick an artery with good flow? How does it work?
Allen’s test - compress both arteries, the brachial and ulnar, the hand should be white from lack of blood flow, then allow the ulnar artery to flow and we should see the hand flush red. - this tells us that we can use the radial artery, because the ulnar has good blood flow
What are complications of an arterial line
- Occlusion of the radial artery, where one artery has the arterial line and the other is being occluded.
- Bleeding
With arterial lines, what do you want to monitor for besides bleeding
Monitor the extremity below the line for pallor, paresthesia (pins and needles), coolness, in case there is an occlusion
What should we monitor if our patient receives an epidural
- Monitor their dermatomes
- Monitor for hypotension, respiratory depression and bradycardia
Why do we want to avoid giving a patient with an epidural medications that can cause them to bleed?
You could develop a spinal hematoma, which can lead to permanent paralysis (so make sure you check if they are on blood thinner prior, as they should not receive an epidural)
If a patient has received an epidural, should we administer oral respiratory depressants
NO - this can lead to respiratory depression
Should we ever let an IV bag run dry?
NO - this can allow air to run into the IV
What should a patient never receive if they have an epidural
- Toradol
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- Plavix
- NSAIDS
- Anticoagulants
(unless ordered by the anesthesiologist or until two days after the epidural catheter is pulled)
What can cause a headache if you have an epidural
If your epidural punctures through, and spinal fluid is lost - this causes a change and pressure and can lead to a headache.
What if you miss the epidural space and go into the subarachnoid space
The difference in the amount of medication that you need in each space is different, so a regular dose of medication in the epidural space can actually be an overdose in the subarachnoid space.
What is the difference between an epidural and an intrathecal
An epidural goes into the epidural space, while an intrathecal goes into the subarachnoid space (this space requires much less medication than the epidural space). Plus, medications in the intrathecal space go into the spinal fluid and you can give medications that will cross the blood-brain barrier. Like if you needed to give a specific chemo.
What is interesting about chemotherapy drugs and intrathecal admin
There are only 4 chemotherapy drugs that will work in this space, all others would be fatal.
Can you administer medications in the intrathecal space that have perservatives
NO
What is the ON-Q ball
Way to give localized pain relief, which is helpful for addicts (so they don’t have to take narcotics)
What are risks of the ON-Q Pain relief ball
- Cartilage breakdown
- Cellulitis
- Tissue necrosis
What are antineoplastic agents
Chemotherapy, biologic therapies, targeted agents and hormonal agents
If you are administering chemo, what should be done 6
- A spill kit should be nearby for waste
- You should wear special gloves, gowns and goggles
- Double verification required for some agents
- Monitoring for extravasation or infiltration (why we use a central line most of the time)
- Look for blood return when you’re giving it
- All materials should go into a hazardous waste bin
What are the differences between TPN and PPN 5
- TPN is total nutrition, while PPN is more of a supplement.
- TPN is typically given through a central line, while PPN is peripheral
- PPN is usually two weeks or less, while TPN is more long term
- TPN has more dextrose
- TPN is nutritionally complete (has everything you need)
What are indications for TPN 5
- If a patient is unable to absorb nutrients through the GI tract for 10 days or more
- Debilitating illness lasting longer than 2 weeks
- Loss of 10% or more of pre-illness weight
- Serum albumin below 3.5
- Renal or hepatic failure
What are nursing management things for TPN or PPN 8
- Monitoring blood sugars every 4-6 hours, especially for TPN, because it has a ton of sugar
- Monitor weights, Is and Os
- Monitor labs - electrolytes and albumin.
- Requires a larger filter - 1.2 micron (because you’re using lipids)
- Tubing needs to be changed every 24 hours (so bacteria doesn’t grow because the sugar content is so high)
- If lipids are hung as a secondary they should be administered at the same time each day
- If TPN or PPN must be paused, IV dextrose should be started to prevent hypoglycemia
- There should be a dedicated line for TPN or PPN
What are the two different ways lipids can be administered
- As part of TPN
- As a secondary infusion
What is the purpose of lipids and dextrose
They provide the needed calories for energy so the amino acids can be utilized for wound healing
Who mixes TPN
Pharmacy
What are some considerations with TPN/PPN 3
- Should be stored in the refrigerator and then removed about an hour prior to administering
- Overserve the bag
- Examine the lipid emulsion for “cracks” which would indicate that it has separated and should be returned to the pharmacy
What are some complications of TPN 3
- Infections
- Mechanical (tubing can get clogged, etc)
- Metabolic
What are specific metabolic problems with TPN 5 (these problems usually resolve themselves once they are off TPN)
- Hyper/hypoglycemia (don’t immediately stop TPN, it needs to be titrated down because of the high sugars)
- Prerenal azotemia (build up of protein waste products - which can damage your kidneys)
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Refeeding syndrome
What is refeeding syndrome
Life threatening electrolyte imbalances when feeding is restarted after periods of starvation
What are indications for PRBCs
- Anemia
- Blood loss
What are indications for platelets
- Thrombocytopenia
- Cancer treatments when platelets are low (usually less than 20,000)
What are indications for albumin (made from plasma)
- Hypovolemic shock (this is our volume expander - it’s going to keep fluid in the intervascular space)
- Hypoalbuminemia
What are the indications for fresh frozen plasma (FFP)
- Rich in clotting factors (does not have platelets), so it can be given for DIC, hemorrhage, massive transfusion, liver disease, vitamin k deficiency and excess warfarin)
Do we need to infuse FFP slowly?
No, we can usually open FFP wide open and infuse for 30-60 minutes
What is cryoprecipitate
Concentration of all of the clotting factors from plasma (more concentrated then FFP).
What is cryoprecipitate given for
When you are in a more severe need of clotting factors
- Especially VII - Von Willebrand’s disease and Fibrinogen (DIC)
What are alternative therapies to giving blood components
- Erythropoietin (stimulates bone marrow to start producing more RBCs) (can given to cancer patients, kidney disease or anemia)
- Autologous blood donation (own blood)
- Clotting factors
- Fluid Resuscitation (colloids)
- Acceptable to some (albumin, platelets, immunoglobulins - antibodies)
Why is the Rh important
If mom is negative, and baby is positive, then it can cause the mom to create antibodies that will attack that fetus. (get Rhogam)
What is unique about type O
It doesn’t have any antigens
What type of antigens and antibodies does type A have
A antigens and B antibodies
What type of antigens and antibodies does type B have
B antigens and A antibodies
What type of antigens and antibodies does type AB have
AB antigens and no antibodies
What type of antigens and antibodies does type O have
No antigens and AB antibodies
What’s a good way to remember who can receive positive and negative blood
If you have positive blood, like A+, then you can receive blood from O-, O+, A- and A+, however, if you have A-, you can only receive blood from O- and A-.
What type of gauge should you be using for blood
An 18-20g
What color is an 18 and what color is a 20g
18 is green and 20 is pink.
If a patient has had a reaction int he past, what types of blood can we use 2
- Leukoreduced blood (low on WBC - reduces incidence of reactions)
- Irradiated (gets rid of anything else in the blood - used for high risk patients, like if you are immunocompromised, first degree relative, etc)
Which two populations will most always receive pre-medications 2
- Cancer patients
- Patients who have had reactions before
(Tylenol, dexamethasone, etc.)
What fluid do we always use with blood
0.9% NS - nothing else.
How fast can a rapid transfuser infuse blood
As fast at 750mls/minute
When giving blood, how long should we be in the room, monitoring the patient
For the first 15 minutes
After infusing blood, what should you do with their IV site
Flush with NS
How often should tubing be changed
Every two units or every four hours
What if you can’t infuse both bags in 2 hours
Then change the tubing in-between
What is a acute hemolytic reaction
ABO incompatibility
What are symptoms of ABO incompatibility
- Fever/chills
- Low back pain
- Flushing
- Tachycardia/tachypnea
- Hypotension
- Vascular collapse
- Hemoglobinuria/dark urine
- Shock/cardiac arrest
- Death
(symptoms usually occur within the first 15 minutes)