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
Discontinue infusion, elevate the extremity, apply warm compress for 3-4 minutes, restart infusion in a different vein
Treatment for phlebitis
For fluids, medication and blood products.
location :hand, wrist, forearms, anticubital
Less than 3 inches long
Peripheral IV
Sharply tipped plastic end of the drip chamber
Spike
Why is a transparent dressing (tegaderm) used to cover the insertion site? 3 answers
Protect site from infection.
Allows for direct inspection of the insertion site.
Secures catheter to prevent/limit movement.
Symptoms include distended neck veins, increased BP, SOB, crackles and edema.
Fluid Overload
Stop the infusion, raise the head of the bed, measure vital signs and O2 sats, administer diuretics
Treatment for fluid overload
For patients that require frequent and or long-term IV therapy. Enters the body and ends in the superior vena cava (SVC)
Central line IV
Tubing used to administer volumes less than 100 mL/hr
microbore tubing
Most commonly veins that are used for peripheral IV therapy
Median antecubital, cephalic and basilic veins
IV solution or medication that leaks into the tissue.
Infiltration
Stop the infusion, elevate the extremity, encourage ROM, apply warm or cold compress, restart the infusion proximal to site or at a different site
Treatment for infiltration
The patient reports pain at the IV site. What should the nurse do?
Stop the infusion
Inspect the site
Tubing used to administer continuous IV fluids.
Primary tubing
What action should the nurse take to help maintain patency of the IV cannula
Perform a regularly scheduled flush
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
No longer sterile; soiled or unclean
Contaminated
The nurse notes coolness of the skin at the IV site and a slow infusion rate. What should the nurse do?
Stop the infusion
Ml per hour
Flow rate
What type of solution is used when flushing the IV after confirming patency?
0.9% normal saline
Systemic infection with pathogens present in the blood
Sepsis/Septicemia
Stop infusion
Aspirate fluid from the IV.
Administer drug specific antidote if possible
Remove IV
Elevate extremity
Notify provider
Apply hot or cold compress depending on fluid that is under the skin
How often should the nurse assess the IV site when it is infusion IV fluids or medications?
At least every hour.
Gtts per minute
Drip rate
How often should the nurse flush an IV that is not currently being used for IVF or medications
Every shift