IV fluids Flashcards
The major factors that should be considered when selecting the IV catheter placement site
- length of time catheter is needed
- animals condition
How would you decide what needle gauge to use for your IV catheter?
largest gauge possible for the size of the animal
Why is the length of the IV catheter important?
Longer is more stable but has to end before elbow
Why is it important to inspect all new IV catheters prior to use?
Possibility of damage/burs
The purposes of catheter management
- maintain a patent catheter
- prevent sepsis
Three Rights for fluid therapy planning
type
amount
speed
Resuscitation
restore vascular volume, reverse hypovolemic shock
Replacement
correct dehydration, replace maintenance fluids
Maintenance
after dehydration is corrected
Dehydration
more water is lost than is taken in
4 electrolytes
Na, Cl, K, Mg
common causes of dehydration
vomiting, diarrhea (severe), anorexia, fever (prolonged), decreased fluid intake, polyuria, severe wounds and burns
Why do pediatric patients dehydrate much quicker than adult patients?
Higher metabolic need and smaller body fluid reserve
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
1000 ml
factors to consider when determining which route to administer fluid therapy (7)
Disease process, patient’s stability, fluid deficiency, characteristics of fluid loss, length of stay (inpatient/outpatient), equipment/expertise required, ultimate goals
three routes available for fluid therapy in small animals
IV, SQ, IO
When should an IV catheter be replaced?
When patient is severely compromised
three factors to consider prior to administering subcutaneous fluid therapy
a. Warm fluids to body temperature
b. Use isotonic fluids only
c. Avoid using Dextrose with a concentration greater than 2.5%
SQ fluids will take approximately how long to be absorbed by the body?
6-8 hours
When would we choose to use the IO route for fluid therapy administration?
when IV access is not possible
What is the most common type of system used to administer IV fluid therapy in small animals?
gravity fed
two drip factors available for small animal administration sets and when to use them
a. Macrodrip-10, 15 or 20 drops/ml (>10kgs)
b. Pediatric 60 drops/ml (<10kgs)
What should you evaluate before attaching a bag of fluids to an administration set?
a. correct size bag
b. correct solution
c. Expiration date
What should be labeled on the bag of fluids once it has been spiked for use?
date so we know when it was spiked
