Complications of IV therapy
Inflammation of the veins that includes edema, throbbing, burning and warmth to the touch. A red line can be visible up the arm and palpable cord is present
Phlebitis?
Symptoms include distended neck veins, increased BP, SOB, crackles and edema.
Hypervolemia
Inflammation of a vein
What is phelbitis
Outside the cell
Extracellular
IV solution or medication that leaks into the tissue.
Infiltration
IV site is cool to touch and pale
What is infiltration
Obstruction of vessel by air caused by disconnection between IV catheter and IV tubing, IV bag running dry or infusion of air into tubing.
Air embolism
The nurse notes coolness of the skin at the IV site and a slow infusion rate. What should the nurse do?
Stop the infusion
Systemic infection with pathogens present in the blood
Sepsis/Septicemia
Proper technique and applying pressure after removal of an IV until bleeding has stopped help prevent this complication.
What is a hematoma
SOB, elevated temp, angioedema, rash, itching, chills, pain, anxiety, death
Transfusion Reaction
Treatment for infiltration
Stop the infusion, elevate the extremity, encourage ROM, apply warm or cold compress, restart the infusion proximal (above) to site or at a different site
A 20-gauge catheter or larger is needed to administer these products.
What are blood products and IV contrast
This should all be included when labeling an IV infusion with date, time and initials
What is site, tubing and solution
Strong bounding pulse, JVD, crackles are all indications of
What is fluid overload
Every 72 -96 hrs to reduce complications
What is change IV tubing