IV Therapy Basics

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid inside cells, making up ⅔ of total body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside cells, making up ⅓ of total body fluid.

Interstitial Fluid (ISF)

Fluid between cells, accounts for 80% of ECF.

Intravascular Fluid (IVF)

Plasma in blood, accounts for 20% of ECF.

Transcellular Fluid

Fluid found in compartments such as CSF, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid.

Homeostasis

The body's goal to stay balanced.

Diffusion

Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Osmosis

Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Hypertonic Solution

Solution with high salt and low water, causing cells to shrink.

Hypotonic Solution

Solution with low salt and high water, causing cells to swell.

Isotonic Solution

Solution with the same salt and water concentration as the body.

3% Saline

Example of a hypertonic solution used for cerebral edema.

0.45% Saline

Example of a hypotonic solution used for hypernatremia.

0.9% Normal Saline (NS)

Isotonic solution compatible with blood products.

Cerebral Edema

Condition treated with hypertonic solutions.

Dehydration

Condition treated with isotonic solutions to restore fluid volume.

Fluid Volume Overload

Complication to watch for when administering hypertonic solutions.

Hypovolemia

Low blood volume caused by dehydration, burns, or diuretics.

Hypervolemia

Excess fluid in the body caused by heart failure or kidney dysfunction.

S/S of Hypovolemia

Dry mucosa, thirst, low BP, high heart rate.

S/S of Hypervolemia

Edema, jugular vein distention, crackles, shortness of breath.

Drip Chamber

Equipment used to count drops per minute in IV therapy.

Backcheck Valve

Stops backflow in IV therapy equipment.

Extension Set

Connects the IV line to the cannula.

Slide Clamps

Used to stop the flow of IV fluids.

Access Ports

Allows for the administration of second medications in IV therapy.

Gauge Sizes Mnemonic

"Our Grandparents Give Plums 'n Berries Early" to remember IV gauge sizes.

Vein Dilation Tricks

Methods to help dilate veins include using a tourniquet, gravity, and warm compress.

Fluids/meds not possible by PO route

IV therapy is used when oral administration is not feasible.

Restore Electrolytes

One of the purposes of IV therapy.

Treat Shock

IV therapy can be used to treat shock conditions.

Fast Meds

IV administration allows for rapid delivery of medications.

Daily weights

Important nursing tip for managing hypovolemia.

Fall risk

Consideration for patients with hypovolemia due to orthostatic hypotension.

Diuretics

Used to manage hypervolemia by promoting fluid loss.

Low Sodium Diet

Recommended for patients with hypervolemia.

High Fowler’s Position

Position to help hypervolemic patients breathe easier.

Fluid replacement

Nursing intervention in cases of hypovolemia.

Decreased Hematocrit (Hct)

Lab finding associated with hypervolemia.

Decreased Sodium (Na⁺)

Lab finding associated with hypervolemia.

Increased Hematocrit (Hct)

Lab finding in cases of hypovolemia.

Increased BUN

Lab finding in cases of hypovolemia.

IV Therapy Complications

Include possible adverse effects related to intravenous administration.

Fluid levels in ECF and ICF

ICF = ⅔ total body fluid, ECF = ⅓ total body fluid.

Body fluid distribution

Most of the body fluid is inside cells (ICF).

Osmotic Pressure

Pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Colloid Solutions

Type of IV solution that contains large molecules.

Crystalloids

Type of IV solution that contains small molecules.

Central Line

IV access used for long-term therapy or larger volume fluids.

Peripheral IV

Common form of IV access used for short-term therapy.

Infiltration

Complication where IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue.

Phlebitis

Complication due to inflammation of the vein from IV insertion.

Air Embolism

Serious complication that can occur with IV therapy.

IV Site Assessment

Regularly ensuring the IV site is not compromised.

Gravity Drip

Method of IV administration that relies on gravity flow.

Electronic Infusion Pump

Device used to control IV flow rates precisely.

Infusion Rate Calculation

Important skill for managing IV therapy.

Patient ID

Crucial to confirm before initiating IV therapy.

Assessment of Fluid Status

Required before administering IV fluids.

IV flush

Procedure to maintain patency of IV line.

Compatibility Check

Ensures that IV medications can be safely administered together.

Documentation

Essential step after administering IV therapy.

Patient Education

Important component of IV therapy management.

Local Complications

Include infiltration and phlebitis.

Systemic Complications

Include fluid overload and infections.

Vascular Access Device

Equipment used to gain access to the venous system.

IV Site Selection

Choosing appropriate veins for IV insertion.

Tourniquet Usage

Used to help visualize veins for IV insertion.

Venous Stasis

Can occur if a tourniquet is left on for too long.

Aseptic Technique

Crucial for preventing infections during IV procedures.

Patient Comfort

Should be a priority when performing IV therapy.

Fluid Administration Rates

Must be monitored to prevent complications.

Phase of IV Therapy

Includes initiation, maintenance, and discontinuation phases.

Educational Materials on IV Therapy

Useful resources for patient education.

Emergency Protocols

Necessary knowledge for managing IV complications.

Blood Product Administration

Requires strict adherence to protocols for safety standards.

Medications via IV

Allows for direct delivery into the bloodstream.

Rate of Infusion

The speed at which IV fluids are administered.

Infusion Pump Settings

Need to be regularly checked for accuracy.

Patient's History

Important to consider before initiating IV therapy.

Observation for Reactions

Critical after giving medications via IV.

Clinical Guidelines

Help direct safe IV therapy practices.

Fluid Shifts

Need to be monitored due to potential complications.

IV Therapy Goals

To ensure hydration, electrolyte balance, and medication administration.