Intravenous (IV) Therapy and Vascular Access Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering IV line types, gauge sizes, solution types, complications, drip rates, CVAD classifications, and bolus administration principles.

Short Peripheral IV

An intravenous catheter placed in superficial veins.

Long Peripheral IV

An intravenous catheter placed in superficial or deep peripheral veins.

Midline Catheter

A catheter ranging from $3\text{ to }8\,\text{inches}$ long, inserted in a peripheral vein of the upper arm via the basilic, cephalic, or brachial vein, typically used for therapies lasting $1\text{ to }4\,\text{weeks}$.

18 Gauge Catheter

Catheter size indicated for trauma, surgery, rapid blood transfusion, and rapid fluid replacement.

20 Gauge Catheter

Catheter size indicated for continuous or intermittent infusions and administration of blood transfusions in adults.

22 Gauge Catheter

Catheter size indicated for continuous or intermittent infusions and administration of blood or blood products in adults, children, neonates, and older adults.

24-26 Gauge Catheter

Catheter size indicated for continuous or intermittent infusions and administration of blood or blood products in adults, children, neonates, and older adults.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with osmolarity equal to body fluids (such as $0.9\%$ sodium chloride or lactated ringer) that replaces fluid loss and expands intravascular volume.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with lower osmolarity than body fluids (such as $0.45\%$ sodium chloride) that expands intracellular space, dilutes extracellular fluid, and rehydrates cells.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with greater osmolarity than body fluids (such as dextrose $10\%$ in water or $3\%$ sodium chloride) used to treat severe hyponatremia and provide calories, free water, and electrolytes.

Phlebitis

Vein inflammation characterized by signs including pain, redness, warmth, swelling, induration, or the presence of a palpable cord along the course of the vein.

Infiltration

Administration of nonvesicant solution into surrounding tissue, indicated by pain, swelling, coolness to touch, or blanching at the insertion site.

Microdrip

Tubing that delivers $60\,\text{gtt/mL}$, used to deliver IV infusion rates less than $100\,\text{mL/h}$.

Macrodrip

Tubing that delivers $10\text{ to }15\,\text{gtt/mL}$, used to deliver IV infusion rates greater than $100\,\text{mL/h}$.

Central Vascular Access Device (CVAD)

A catheter whose tip ends in a large blood vessel in the lower segment of the superior or inferior vena cava at or near the cavoatrial junction.

Nontunneled Percutaneous CVAD

A short-term CVAD used for days to weeks that can be placed at the bedside and held in place with sutures or an engineered securement device.

External Tunneled CVAD

A long-term CVAD requiring surgical placement that remains permanent until therapy ends and is held in place by a Dacron cuff.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

A long-term central catheter inserted peripherally at bedside or home side that can remain as long as it functions properly without complications.

Implanted Venous Port

A permanent long-term CVAD placed in a surgically created pocket under the skin and accessed using a $90^\circ$ angle noncoring needle.

IV Bolus

Placement of a prescribed medication directly into the bloodstream, ideal for clients who cannot tolerate large amounts of fluid.

IV Push Medication

A medication administered via IV bolus over a period of $3\text{ to }5\,\text{minutes}$.

Intermittent IV Bolus

A medication that is intermittently administered throughout the day while a primary line often runs maintenance fluid.