Week 4+5 IV therapy Flashcards
What 3 components should be included in a doctor’s order for insertion of an IV catheter?
- physicians name and date
- type of infusion
- rate of infusion
IV solutions are classified as hypotonic, isotonic, or hypertonic depending on what property of the solution?
Depending on the osmolality of the solution.
Give an example of a isotonic solution.
Normal saline 0.9%, RL
Give an example of a hypotonic solution.
2.5% dextrose in water
Give an example of a hypertonic solution.
Dextrose 5% in NS
What complication may occur when an excessive amount of isotonic solution is infused?
Circulatory overload
What may allow the catheter to move inside the vein and cause phlebitis?
Placing the IV catheter in an area of flexion/inadequate catheter securement/chemical irritation.
Give 2 reasons why an IV may fail to infuse.
- IV is occluded by precipitation of meds
2. infiltration
Give 3 reasons why an IV site may be painful.
- phlebitis
- infiltration/extravasation
- Infection
- IV catheter too far in vein, lodged in
Give 4 reasons why a hematoma may occur with insertion/
- angle too great, punctured back wall of vein.
- tourniquet may be applied too tightly for fragile veins
- fragile veins d/t age, medical condition, steroid use, etc
- catheter to vein ratio, PIV gauge too large for chosen vein.
list 4 ways of dilating a vein.
- warm compress
- dangling the patients arm
- gentle rubbing/stroking
- applying a tourniquet
Leaving the tourniquet on for longer than ____ minutes can cause what to occur?
1-2 minutes; vein fatigue
Why is it essential to anchor the vein before and during venipuncture?
stabilizes vein for needle insertion; prevents vein from rolling; and stretches skin tout; decreasing drag during insertion for anchoring vein; minimizes discomfort
At what angle is the catheter inserted directly into the vein?
10-30 degrees
What indicates that the catheter is in the vein?
flash of blood in catheter.
What size of catheter meets most adult patients needs?
BLUE 22
Which vein is located along the radial surface of the forearm?
cephalic vein
Which vein is located along the ulnar surface of the forearm?
basilic vein
When selecting an IV site, what 4 key factors should be considered?
- condition of the vein
- purpose of the infusion
- duration of the therapy
- Suitable location (don’t use arm on side of a mastectomy; AV shunt; CVA)
Which layer inside the vein forms valves?
Tunica intima
Name 2 reasons why the lower extremities are undesirable for IV cannulation.
- increased risk of phlebitis
- tissue damage
(could also be: thrombophlebitis/ ulceration/immobility or decreased blood flow to fetus)
Name a cause of catheter embolism.
part of the catheter released into the blood stream
After an IV is initiated, what information should be documented?
Signature, site location, catheter gauge, date and time, all attempts.
How often should a nurse inspect an IV site?
Q1H
