IV Therapy, Oxygenation, Elimination, Transfusion & Grief – Key Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering IV fluids, oxygen therapy, urinary & bowel elimination, transfusion safety, and grief stages to reinforce key concepts from the lecture notes.

Isotonic IV Solution

A fluid with the same osmolality as blood plasma (e.g., 0.9 % NS, Lactated Ringer’s) used primarily to expand intravascular volume without shifting fluid between compartments.

Hypotonic IV Solution

A fluid with lower osmolality than plasma (e.g., 0.45 % NaCl) that moves water into cells, risking cellular swelling and cerebral edema.

Hypertonic IV Solution

A fluid with higher osmolality than plasma (e.g., 3 % NaCl, D5NS) that pulls water out of cells and into the bloodstream; treats hyponatremia but can cause fluid overload.

0.45 % NaCl

Half-normal saline; hypotonic crystalloid often ordered for dehydration with high serum sodium—contraindicated in cerebral edema or risk of ICP.

D5NS (5 % Dextrose in 0.9 % NaCl)

A hypertonic solution providing calories and sodium chloride; frequently used after initial DKA management when glucose falls.

D10W (10 % Dextrose in Water)

Hypertonic dextrose solution supplying high calories; may irritate veins and requires central or large-bore peripheral access.

Crackles

Discontinuous popping lung sounds indicating fluid in alveoli; common sign of fluid overload during hypertonic infusions.

Cellular Swelling

Intracellular fluid accumulation that can occur with excessive hypotonic fluid administration.

Cerebral Edema

Brain swelling caused by fluid shift into brain cells; a serious complication of hypotonic therapy.

Drop Factor

Number of drops (gtt) per millilitre delivered by IV tubing, used to calculate gravity infusion rates.

Saline Flush

0.9 % sodium chloride used to maintain IV catheter patency and clear medication from the line.

Infiltration

Leakage of non-vesicant IV fluid into surrounding tissue; site appears pale, cool, swollen.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein manifested by redness, warmth, and pain along the vein; caused by mechanical or chemical irritation.

Peripheral IV Gauge 18

Large-bore cannula ideal for rapid blood transfusion or large-volume fluid resuscitation.

IV Rate Calculation

mL /hr = total volume (mL) ÷ infusion time (hr); e.g., 1000 mL ÷ 8 hr = 125 mL/hr.

Normal Saline (0.9 % NS)

An isotonic crystalloid compatible with blood products and commonly used for volume expansion.

Lactated Ringer’s (LR)

Isotonic solution containing electrolytes and lactate; often chosen for burns or hypovolemia.

Hypercapnia

Excessive CO₂ retention, possible in COPD patients receiving high oxygen flow rates.

Oxygen Toxicity

Lung damage from prolonged high FiO₂; symptoms include drowsiness, vision changes, seizures.

Venturi Mask

High-flow device delivering precise oxygen concentrations, suitable for COPD patients.

Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB)

High-flow face mask with reservoir bag delivering up to ~90 % FiO₂; bag must remain inflated.

Suction Catheter Pass Time

Maximum of 10–15 seconds per pass to avoid hypoxia during airway suctioning.

Foley Catheter

Indwelling urinary catheter with balloon to maintain bladder drainage.

Catheter-Associated UTI (CAUTI)

Infection linked to indwelling urinary catheters; prevented by asepsis and closed drainage systems.

Closed Drainage System

Catheter setup that remains sealed from entry points, reducing infection risk.

Dysuria

Painful or difficult urination, commonly indicating urinary tract irritation or infection.

Urinary Retention

Inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to frequent small voids or overflow.

Nocturia

Excessive urination at night; often managed by limiting evening caffeine and fluids.

Hematuria

Presence of blood in urine; may follow traumatic catheterization or indicate infection.

Constipation

Infrequent, hard, dry stools; often caused by opioids or low fiber/fluid intake.

Fecal Impaction

Mass of hardened stool trapped in rectum causing bloating and possibly overflow diarrhea.

Clay-Colored Stool

Pale, gray stool suggesting absence of bile due to liver or gallbladder disorder.

Cleansing Enema

Fluid instillation intended to empty the colon before surgery or diagnostic tests.

Oil-Retention Enema

Mineral or vegetable oil infusion designed to lubricate and soften hard stool; held for at least 30 minutes.

Carminative Enema

Enema formulated to relieve gas and bloating by stimulating peristalsis.

Left Sims’ Position

Left-side-lying posture with right knee flexed; optimal for enema administration.

Transfusion Reaction – Febrile

Temperature rise ≥1 °C/2 °F during transfusion due to leukocyte incompatibility; treat by stopping transfusion.

Transfusion Reaction – Allergic

Urticaria, itching, flushing caused by plasma protein sensitivity; managed with antihistamines and stopping transfusion.

Hemolytic Reaction

Life-threatening destruction of donor RBCs from ABO incompatibility; manifests with fever, flank pain, hypotension.

TRALI (Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury)

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema presenting with acute SOB within 6 hrs of transfusion.

TACO (Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload)

Fluid overload resulting in dyspnea, crackles, hypertension, frothy sputum; treat with diuretics and slow transfusion.

Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs)

Component therapy providing concentrated erythrocytes to improve oxygen-carrying capacity with less volume.

Maximum Blood Hang Time

Blood must be completely transfused within 4 hours of removal from refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth.

First 15–30 Minutes Rule

Critical observation period at transfusion start when most acute reactions occur; nurse stays with patient.

Denial (Grief Stage)

Initial defense against reality of loss; patient may act as though nothing is wrong.

Bargaining (Grief Stage)

Attempt to negotiate for more time or a cure, often with a higher power or fate.

Acceptance (Grief Stage)

Recognition of impending death or loss with relative peace; may involve planning final affairs.

Prolonged (Complicated) Grief

Grief persisting beyond 6 months with significant functional impairment.

Anticipatory Grief

Mourning experienced before an impending loss, such as terminal illness diagnosis.

Burnout / Grief Overload

Emotional exhaustion in caregivers due to repeated exposure to loss without adequate coping resources.