IV Administration & Fluid/Electrolyte Balance Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding IV Administration, fluid and electrolyte balance, patient care, and legal implications in nursing.

What are the six rights of medication administration?

Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation.

What is informed consent and why is it important for IV therapy?

Informed consent means the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and agrees voluntarily. It's important to protect patient autonomy and reduce legal liability.

What documentation is required after IV medication administration?

Medication name and dose, route and time administered, IV site condition, patient response.

Define negligence in the context of IV therapy.

Negligence is the failure to perform care according to standard practice resulting in harm, such as not checking IV site leading to infiltration injury.

What nursing responsibilities must be performed before venipuncture?

Verify provider order, identify patient using two identifiers, assess patient for allergies, gather equipment, perform hand hygiene.

What should be monitored during venipuncture?

Hand hygiene, skin cleansing solution used, tourniquet placement time limit, and signs of patient discomfort.

List three common peripheral vein sites for IV access.

Cephalic vein, basilic vein, median cubital vein.

What factors can make vein selection difficult?

Dehydration, obesity, edema, elderly fragile veins, IV drug use, shock or poor circulation.

What is the purpose of maintaining IV patency?

To ensure the IV remains open and functional for medication and fluid delivery.

What solution is commonly used to flush a peripheral IV?

Normal saline (0.9% NS).

When should a peripheral IV be flushed?

Before and after medication administration, per facility policy, and when resistance is felt.

List the signs of a patent IV site.

No redness or swelling, easy flush with no resistance, no pain or leakage.

What should the nurse do to assist the RN with a central venous infusion?

Maintain sterile technique, monitor site and dressing, monitor for infection or air embolism.

Match the complication with its description: A. Infiltration; B. Phlebitis; C. Infection; D. Fluid overload.

A. Infiltration - Fluid leaking into tissue, B. Phlebitis - Redness, warmth, streaking, C. Infection - Redness, drainage, fever, D. Fluid overload - Crackles, dyspnea, edema.

What nursing interventions should be taken for IV complications?

Stop infusion, remove IV catheter, elevate extremity, apply warm or cold compress as ordered.

List four contraindications to IV insertion.

Infection at the site, edema, burned or scarred tissue, AV fistula arm.

Which populations are at higher risk for IV complications?

Elderly, pediatric patients, dehydrated patients.

What verification must occur before blood administration?

Two licensed staff verify patient ID and blood band, blood type and Rh compatibility, expiration date, provider order.

What are early signs of a transfusion reaction?

Fever, chills, back pain, shortness of breath.

What is the priority nursing action if a transfusion reaction is suspected?

Stop the transfusion immediately, keep IV open with normal saline, notify provider and blood bank.

Define Epidural.

Medication delivered into epidural space for pain control.

Define Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA).

Patient self-administers pain medication through a programmed pump.

What are nursing safety responsibilities for PCA devices?

Assess respiratory rate and sedation, ensure only patient presses the button, monitor pain level.

Why should only the patient press the PCA button?

To prevent overdose and respiratory depression.

What complication is suspected when a patient's IV site appears swollen, cool, and painful?

Complication: Infiltration. First Action: Stop infusion and remove IV.

What is the priority action for a patient receiving blood who reports chills and back pain?

Stop transfusion immediately and notify provider.