IV Medication Administration (Clinical skills)

What is IV medication administration?

Medication given directly into the venous system through an IV access device

What is an IV bolus?

Medication given directly into an IV line over a short period of time

Common indications for IV medication administration?

• Rapid effect needed

• Medication cannot be taken orally

• Pt cannot take medication orally

• Controlled delivery is needed

Advantage of IV medication administration

Rapid and predictable effects

Disadvantage of IV medication administration

Since it directly enters the bloodstream, adverse effects can occur rapidly and cannot be removed after administration

What should you check before preparing the medication?

• Order

• Pt identity

• Dose

• Route

• Expiry date

• Indications

• Contraindications

• Allergies

• Medication name

• Time

Why should the IV access point be cleaned?

To reduce microorganisms on the access point and minimise risk of infection in the blood stream

What should you assess on the IV site before injecting the medication?

• IV site

• IV patency

• Signs of infection

Why do you check IV patency?

To know if the IV access is open and functioning properly, allowing fluid to pass through without obstruction

Why do some IV medications need to be administered slowly?

Rapid administration can cause adverse effects

What should you monitor after giving IV medication?

• Pts response

• Adverse effects

• Allergic reactions

• IV site

How long do you clean the bung for

15 secs

How long do you leave the bung to dry after disinfecting it

30 secs

What to document

• Medication

• Dose

• Route

• Date/time

• Adverse effects

• Pt response

• Signature of nurses

Signs of anaphylaxis

• Airway swelling

• Difficulty breathing

• Tachycardia

• Skin changes

Signs of non patent IV

• Resistance

• Pain

• Swelling

• Leaking

Why do you assess the IV site before administration?

To look for complications like infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, infection

What is infiltration

When a non vesicant medication leaks into the surrounding tissue

What is extravasation?

When a vesicant medication leaks into the surrounding tissue

What is phlebitis?

Inflammation of the vein

Formula for concentration

Amount (mg)/Volume (mL) = Concentration (mg/mL)

Formula for volume to give using concentration

Desired (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)

Formula for volume to give

Desired/Have x Volume

Why do you have to do the second saline flush at the same rate as the medication administrated?

Prevents giving pt a rapid surge of the leftover medication