IV Therapy Exam3

Signs & Symptoms:
- Phlebitis: redness, warmth, swelling, pain along the vein.
- Thrombophlebitis: similar to phlebitis but with a palpable cord along the vein.
- Infiltration: swelling at the insertion site, coolness, pain, and absence of a blood return.
- Extravasation: blistering, tissue necrosis, pain, and swelling at the site (often due to vesicant solutions).
- Hematoma: swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the site.
Prevention:
- Use sterile techniques for insertion and changing of dressings.
- Rotate infusion sites regularly.
- Secure the IV catheter appropriately.
- Monitor sites frequently for early signs of complications.
Treatment:
- Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis: remove the catheter, apply warm compresses, and consider a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain.
- Infiltration: stop infusion, remove catheter, elevate limb, and apply cool compresses.
- Extravasation: stop infusion immediately, contact physician, possibly administer antidote if available, and elevate the limb.
- Hematoma: apply direct pressure, ice packs, and monitor for further bleeding.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Fluid Overload: elevated blood pressure, bounding pulse, distended neck veins, and difficulty breathing.
- Air Embolism: chest pain, hypotension, cyanosis, and altered mental status.
- Sepsis: high fever, chills, elevated heart rate, increased white blood cell count.
- Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI): redness or drainage at IV site, fever, and chills.
Prevention:
- Monitor fluid intake/output carefully.
- Prime IV tubing appropriately to eliminate air.
- Use sterile techniques for all procedures.
- Change IV bags and tubing regularly and whenever the bag is empty.
- Ensure proper maintenance of IV sites.
Treatment:
- Fluid Overload: reduce IV rate, administer diuretics as prescribed, and monitor vital signs.
- Air Embolism: place patient on left side in Trendelenburg position, administer oxygen, and monitor vital signs.
- Sepsis: administer antibiotics as prescribed and monitor for signs of shock.
- CRBSI: remove the catheter, culture the site, and start appropriate antibiotics.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Catheter Occlusion: inability to flush the catheter, resistance to medication administration, or swelling at the site.
- Catheter Dislodgement: changes in catheter length, swelling of the neck or chest, or sudden loss of blood return.
- Line Sepsis: fever, chills, redness at the insertion site, and malaise.
Prevention:
- Use appropriate securement devices to prevent dislodgement.
- Follow strict aseptic techniques during insertion and maintenance.
- Regularly assess and flush central lines according to protocols.
Treatment:
- Catheter Occlusion: attempt to flush with saline; consider thrombolytics if allowed.
- Catheter Dislodgement: secure in place and notify physician immediately; possibly reinsert.
- Line Sepsis: remove the catheter, administer IV antibiotics, and monitor the patient's response closely.

Recognizing signs and symptoms of both local and systemic complications is crucial for timely intervention.
Preventative measures are key in managing infusion therapy to avoid complications.
Treatment modalities vary based on the complication and should be executed as per established protocols.