Pre Lab

💧 KEY FORMULAS TO REMEMBER

1⃣ Drip Rate Formula (drops per minute)

Used when IV is delivered manually via drip chamber

🧪 Drop factor = found on IV tubing (gtts/mL)

• Microdrip: 60 gtts/mL

• Macrodrip: 10, 15, or 20 gtts/mL

🧠 TIP: Always convert hours to minutes (e.g., 8 hrs = 480 mins)

2⃣ Pump Rate Formula (mL/hr)

Used when IV is delivered by infusion pump

✅ This is the most common calculation on placements and exams!

🧠 Nursing Mnemonic: "Do The Math Right!"

D – Drop factor (check tubing type)
T – Time in minutes (if calculating gtts/min)
M – Multiply volume by drop factor
R – Rate = divide by total time in minutes

🧪 Example 1: Drip Rate

💉 You need to give 1000 mL over 8 hours using macrodrip set (15 gtts/mL)

👉 Formula:
(1000 mL × 15 gtts/mL) ÷ (8 × 60 mins)
= 15,000 ÷ 480 = 31.25 → 31 gtts/min

⚙ Example 2: Infusion Pump

💉 Order: 500 mL NS over 4 hours

👉 Formula:
500 mL ÷ 4 hrs = 125 mL/hr

IV Therapy (IVT) – Step-by-Step Nursing Guide

✅ PART 1: Assisting with IV Establishment (Cannulation)

You assist the RN or doctor inserting the IV

🧠 Mnemonic: “PREP IT SAFE”

P - Prepare equipment

• Gloves, tourniquet, alcohol wipe, cannula, dressing, saline flush, tape, sharps bin

R - Review orders

• Check IV fluid type, rate, allergies, site

E - Explain procedure

• Gain verbal consent, reassure the patient

P - Position the patient

• Comfortably, with arm supported

I - Inspect veins

• Choose best site: forearm/hand preferred

T - Tourniquet & assist

• Apply tourniquet, pass equipment aseptically

S - Secure cannula

• Secure with Tegaderm/tape, label dressing (date, time, initials)

A - Aspirate & flush

• RN checks blood return, flushes with saline

F - Flush & document

• Assist with patency check (5–10 mL saline)

E - Enter into documentation

• Time, site, gauge, patient response

📋 Vital Signs to Record Pre/Post Insertion:

• HR, BP, Temp, RR, SpO₂

• Pain score, anxiety level

• Observe for bleeding, swelling, or vasovagal response

✅ PART 2: IV Therapy Management (Ongoing Care)

🧠 Mnemonic: “VIP FLUID”

V - Vital Signs Regularly

• Monitor for infection, fluid overload, or adverse reactions

I - Inspect the site

• Look for redness, swelling, leaking, pain

P - Patency check

• Flush with saline per protocol (usually q8h or per policy)

F - Fluid Checks

• Correct fluid/rate/type? Check against orders

L - Line labelling

• Ensure all IV lines are clearly labelled with time/date

U - Urine Output + Fluid Balance

• Monitor I/Os, especially for patients on large volumes or diuretics

I - Infection Prevention

• Hand hygiene, clean ports, sterile technique when handling line

D - Documentation

• Record fluid type, volume, rate, site condition, obs, and any interventions

⚠ Red Flags to Report Immediately:

• Swelling, pain, redness at site (phlebitis)

• No blood return or resistance when flushing

• Chills, fever, ↑ HR/BP → may indicate sepsis

• Fluid overload signs: crackles, ↑ RR, ↓ SpO₂, edema