IV fluids

Question 1

The major factors that should be considered when selecting the IV catheter placement site

Answer 1

• length of time catheter is needed
• animals condition

Question 2

How would you decide what needle gauge to use for your IV catheter?

Answer 2

largest gauge possible for the size of the animal

Question 3

Why is the length of the IV catheter important?

Answer 3

Longer is more stable but has to end before elbow

Question 4

Why is it important to inspect all new IV catheters prior to use?

Answer 4

Possibility of damage/burs

Question 5

The purposes of catheter management

Answer 5

• maintain a patent catheter
• prevent sepsis

Question 6

Three Rights for fluid therapy planning

Answer 6

type
amount
speed

Question 7

Resuscitation

Answer 7

restore vascular volume, reverse hypovolemic shock

Question 8

Replacement

Answer 8

correct dehydration, replace maintenance fluids

Question 9

Maintenance

Answer 9

after dehydration is corrected

Question 10

Dehydration

Answer 10

more water is lost than is taken in

Question 11

4 electrolytes

Answer 11

Na, Cl, K, Mg

Question 12

common causes of dehydration

Answer 12

vomiting, diarrhea (severe), anorexia, fever (prolonged), decreased fluid intake, polyuria, severe wounds and burns

Question 13

Why do pediatric patients dehydrate much quicker than adult patients?

Answer 13

Higher metabolic need and smaller body fluid reserve

Question 14

Percent dehydration is multiplied by body weight in kilograms and then again by 1000 to determine the amount of milliliters needed to rehydrate a patient. Using this calculation determine how many milliliters will be needed for the following patient:
a. A 20kg dog is 5% dehydrated
b. A 10kg cat is 10% dehydrated

Answer 14

1000 ml

Question 15

factors to consider when determining which route to administer fluid therapy (7)

Answer 15

Disease process, patient’s stability, fluid deficiency, characteristics of fluid loss, length of stay (inpatient/outpatient), equipment/expertise required, ultimate goals

Question 16

three routes available for fluid therapy in small animals

Answer 16

IV, SQ, IO

Question 17

When should an IV catheter be replaced?

Answer 17

When patient is severely compromised

Question 18

three factors to consider prior to administering subcutaneous fluid therapy

Answer 18

a. Warm fluids to body temperature
b. Use isotonic fluids only
c. Avoid using Dextrose with a concentration greater than 2.5%

Question 19

SQ fluids will take approximately how long to be absorbed by the body?

Answer 19

6-8 hours

Question 20

When would we choose to use the IO route for fluid therapy administration?

Answer 20

when IV access is not possible

Question 21

What is the most common type of system used to administer IV fluid therapy in small animals?

Answer 21

gravity fed

Question 22

two drip factors available for small animal administration sets and when to use them

Answer 22

a. Macrodrip-10, 15 or 20 drops/ml (>10kgs)
b. Pediatric 60 drops/ml (<10kgs)

Question 23

What should you evaluate before attaching a bag of fluids to an administration set?

Answer 23

a. correct size bag
b. correct solution
c. Expiration date

Question 24

What should be labeled on the bag of fluids once it has been spiked for use?

Answer 24

date so we know when it was spiked

Question 25

What is the single best way to track changes in hydration and body water?

Answer 25

body weight

Question 26

What are two possible complications of fluid therapy?

Answer 26

a. volume overload
b. electrolyte/acid-base disturbance