Infusions Flashcards
(66 cards)
What is one of the primary purposes of IV therapy?
Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement
IV therapy is essential for maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance.
What is a key purpose of IV therapy besides fluid replacement?
Medication Administration
IV therapy allows for the direct delivery of medications into the bloodstream.
What is a type of IV solution composed of electrolytes dissolved in water?
Crystalloid Solutions
These solutions are commonly used for volume replacement and hydration.
Name an example of a crystalloid solution.
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
Other examples include dextrose solutions and balanced electrolyte solutions.
What are colloidal solutions also known as?
Plasma volume expanders
They contain larger molecules that do not easily diffuse through membranes.
Provide an example of a colloidal solution.
Albumin
Other examples include dextran and mannitol.
What is the definition of osmolarity?
Concentration of solutes per liter of solution
It influences fluid distribution between compartments in the body.
What is the normal blood osmolarity range?
270–300 mOsm/L
This range is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.
What is the osmolarity range for isotonic solutions?
250–375 mOsm/L
Isotonic solutions do not cause fluid shifts across cells.
Fill in the blank: Hypotonic solutions have an osmolarity of _______.
<250 mOsm/L
These solutions cause fluid to move into cells.
What type of solution has an osmolarity greater than 375 mOsm/L?
Hypertonic
Hypertonic solutions cause fluid to move out of cells.
Give an example of an isotonic solution.
0.9% NaCl
Other isotonic solutions include D5W and Lactated Ringer’s.
What is a common indication for administering hypotonic solutions?
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hypotonic solutions are also used for hyperglycemia and hypertonic dehydration.
What is a safety consideration for administering hypertonic fluids?
Administer via central line to prevent vein damage
This is particularly important for fluids greater than 600 mOsm/L.
True or False: Older adults are at a higher risk for fluid overload when receiving IV therapy.
True
Cardiac and renal compromised patients also face higher risks.
What pH levels require close monitoring when administering acidic medications?
pH <5 or >9
Such solutions may cause chemical phlebitis, and central access lines are preferred.
What defines patients at risk for infusion therapy?
Patients with sustained trauma and emergency department presentation, those receiving IV antibiotics, and cancer patients in remission (immune compromised)
High school coach is not relevant.
What are the categories of IV fluids based on osmolarity and tonicity?
Isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic
Isotonic has equal osmolality, hypotonic has lower osmolality, and hypertonic has higher osmolality than ICF.
What is the distinction between crystalloids and colloids in IV therapy?
Crystalloids are solutions with small particles, while colloids contain larger particles
Colloids stay in the vascular space longer and are used for volume expansion.
What can pH extremes in IV fluids cause?
Damage to veins
Monitoring site and solution type is essential.
What are the three types of medication incompatibilities in IV therapy?
- Physical Incompatibility
- Chemical Incompatibility
- Therapeutic Incompatibility
Physical incompatibility shows visible reactions, chemical involves breakdown of medication, and therapeutic affects efficacy.
How should incompatible antibiotics be managed?
Separate them by at least 1 hour
Monitoring peak and trough levels is also important.
What are the layers of a vein?
- Tunica intima (inner)
- Tunica media (middle)
- Tunica adventitia (outer)
Valves are present to prevent backflow and assist in blood return to the heart.
What is the most common type of peripheral venous access device?
Short over-the-needle catheter
It is inserted directly into a vein, and the needle is removed, leaving a flexible catheter.
