IV solutions
HYPOTONIC
concentration/ affect on cells
low concentration of solutes
causes cells to swell
Cause: Blood clot
Signs: swelling, redness, pain, sluggish IV or occlusion.
Thrombosis
Cause: Blood infection due to unclean IV techniques or contaminated equipment.
Signs: Fever, chills, low blood pressure, rapid breathing, confusion.
Septicemia
Placement: (below armpit) Inserted into a vein in the arm, with the catheter tip ending near the shoulder.
Use: For therapies lasting 1-4 weeks; not suitable for highly concentrated solutions (vesicant drugs) or drawing blood/labs.
Midline Catheter
Definition: Medications are delivered directly into an artery (reddness, inflammation)
Purpose: Used for targeted treatments such as chemotherapy, clot-dissolving drugs (ex: TPA for stroke pt), or monitoring blood gases in critically ill patients.
Intra-Arterial Therapy
HYPERTONIC
high concentration of solutes
causes cells to shrink
Cause: Abnormal collection of blood outside of blood vessels.
Signs: Bruising, swelling.
Hematoma
Cause: Rapid infusion of IV fluids or medications.
Signs: Dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, hypotension, fainting.
Speed Shock
Placement: Inserted in the chest and tunneled under the skin to reach a central vein. Placed in a large central vein, typically the internal jugular vein or subclavian vein surgically/percutaneously
Use: Long-term use, especially in patients needing frequent IV access (e.g., dialysis, chemotherapy). *Has antibiotic cuff to reduce risk of infection
Tunneled Catheter
Definition: Fluids or drugs are infused into the peritoneal cavity (distention, ridged board like abdomen). Peritoneum/ peritonitis
Purpose: Often used for chemotherapy in abdominal cancers or for peritoneal dialysis to remove waste products.
Intraperitoneal Infusion
0.45% sodium chloride
type/ used for/ precautions
Hypotonic
-treats cellular dehydration (DKA; Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state)
-patients with increased intracranial pressure or fluid retention are at risk due tot increased swelling
Cause: Dislodged; IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue.
Signs: Swelling, coolness at the site.
Infiltration
Cause: Excessive fluid infusion, overwhelming the cardiovascular system.
Signs: Swelling, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, crackles in lungs.
Circulatory Overload
Placement: Inserted into a vein in the arm and extends near superior vena cava; must confirm placement with ****chest X-ray before use.
Use: Long-term therapies like antibiotics, chemotherapy, or total parenteral nutrition. *Can attach transducer for CVP monitoring and draw blood/labs
PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)
Definition: Fluids or medications are delivered slowly into the subcutaneous fatty tissue beneath the skin.
Purpose: Common in palliative care for pain relief or hydration (e.g., hypodermoclysis).
Subcutaneous Infusion
0.9% NS or Lactated Ringers
type/ used for/ precautions
ISOTONIC
-blood pressure or dehydration/ surgery or trauma
-can lead to fluid overload in patients with hear or kidney issues
Cause: Vein inflammation due to irritation, infection, or prolonged catheter use.
Signs: Redness, warmth, pain along the vein.
Phlebitis
Cause: Air enters the vein and obstructs blood flow.
Signs: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, loss of consciousness.
Air Embolism: (PE, RESPIRATORY FAILURE, STROKE, MI)= PRIME THE LINE
Placement: Inserted directly into a vein in the neck, upper chest, or groin. (internal jugular vein or subclavian vein, sometimes femoral –high infection risk)
Use: Short-term or emergency access for administering fluids or medications.
Non-Tunneled Catheter
Definition: Medication is injected into the spinal canal (intrathecal) or the epidural space utilizing a pump.
Purpose: Provides pain management (e.g., during labor or post-surgery) or treats spinal conditions.
Intraspinal Infusion
3% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride
type/ used for/ precautions
Hypertonic
-correcting hyponatremia, electrolyte or acid-based imbalances
-can lead to fluid overload, hypernatremia, and damage to veins due to high osmolality
Cause: Vesicant drugs (e.g., chemotherapy) leak into tissue.
Signs: Severe tissue damage, necrosis, pain.
Extravasation
Cause: A piece of the IV catheter breaks off and enters the bloodstream.
ALWAYS CHECK CATH TIP AFTER REMOVING IV TO ENSURE ITS INTACT
Signs: Sudden pain, respiratory distress, collapse.
Embolus (Catheter Embolism)
Placement: A small port is surgically placed under the skin, connected to a central vein, “Port a cath” not visible at all above the skin
Use: For long-term intermittent access, such as chemotherapy or frequent blood draws.
Implanted Port
Definition: Direct infusion of fluids, medications, or blood products into the bone marrow.
Purpose: Used in emergencies when IV access is difficult, especially in critically ill children or adults. (TEMPORARY- usually removed within 24 hours, confirm there is circulation to the lower part of the foot)
Intraosseous Therapy