Intravenous (IV) Fluid Therapy (Clinical skill)

What is IV therapy?

Giving fluids directly into the bloodstream when fluid requirements are not met

Indications for IV therapy

• Restore and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance

• Rapid administration of medication

Equipment needed

• Fluid order

• Solution bag

• IV line

• 10 mL syringe

• 10 mL sterile saline

• Blunt drawing up needle

• Sharps bin

• Rubbish bag

• Alcohol swab

• Red cap

• IV pole w/ infusion pump

• Kidney dish

• Tape

• Gloves

What should you check before preparing equipment?

• Expiry date

• Fluid order

• Pt identity

• Dose

• Route

• Allergies

• Indications

• Contraindications

How many pairs of gloves do you need and when do you need to use them?

1

When cleaning the bung

When do you unclamp the line?

After you set the infusion pump

Formula for infusion rate

volume (mL) / time (hr)

What is VTBI?

Volume to be infused, the volume of the IV bag

What to document

• Date/time

• IV fluid type

• IV fluid volume

• Infusion rate

• Insertion site findings

• Pt response

What is VIP

Visual infusion phlebitis

Why is saline used in IV infusions?

Its an isotonic solution meaning it has a similar concentration to human blood

Why do you need to remove major air bubbles when priming an IV line?

Prevents air from entering the bloodstream and reduces risk of air embolism

What is infiltration

Leakage of non vesicant fluid into surrounding tissue

What is extravasation

Leakage of vesicant fluid into surrounding tissue

What is phlebitis

Inflammation of vein