Medication Therapies Flashcards
(74 cards)
Peak Level
Reflect highest concentration of medication
Peak Level: Oral Intake
1 - 2 hr
Peak Level: IM
1 hr
Peak Level: IV
30 min
Trough Level
Reflect lowest concentration or residual level; confirmed 15 min prior to next dose
Culture and Sensitivity
Detect presence of pathogens; identify appropriate antibiotic; begin abx therapy after obtaining lab sample
Safe IV Administration
Review med guidelines, precautions, compatibility, rate of admin, necessity of infusion pump, and serious adverse reactions
Never administer meds through blood tubing
Standard precautions, IV site dressing changes
Fluids should be infused within 24 hours to prevent infection
Maintain patency of IV access
Types of IV Access
Peripheral Vein
Central Venous Catheters PICC Non-tunneled percutaneous CVC Tunneled CVC (Hickman, Groshong) Implanted Port
Infiltration Prevention
Use smallest catheter for prescribed therapy
stabilize port access
assess blood return
Infiltration Treatment
Stop infusion remove peripheral catheters apply cold compress Elevate extremity Insert new catheter in opposite extremity
Extravasation Prevention
Know vesicant potential (drug causing blistering/tissue injury/necrosis) before giving medication
Extravasation Treatment
Stop infusion Discontinue administration set Aspirate drug, if possible Apply cold compress Document/photograph
Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis Prevention
Rotate sites every 72 to 96 hr
Secure catheter
Use aseptic technique
*PICC: avoid excessive activity with extremity
Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis Treatment
Stop infusion
Remove peripheral IV catheters
Apply heat compress
Insert new catheter in opposite extremity
Hematoma Prevention
Avoid veins not easily seen or palpated
Obtain hemostasis after insertion
Hematoma Treatment
Remove IV device
Apply light pressure if bleeding
Monitor for signs of phlebitis and treat
Catheter Embolus Prevention
Do not reinsert stylet into catheter
Catheter Embolus Treatment
Immediately apply tourniquet high on extremity to limit venous flow
Prepare for removal under X-ray
IV Infusion Complications
Infiltration Extravasation Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis Hematoma Catheter embolus
Central Venous Catheter Complications
Pneumothorax (during insertion)
Air Embolism
Lumen Occlusion
Bloodstream Infection
PICC Line Complications
Catheter Occlusions Catheter Dislodgment Phlebitis Catheter Embolism Infection
Pneumothorax Prevention (during CVC insertion)
Use ultrasound to locate veins
Avoid subclavian when possible
Pneumothorax Treatment (during CVC insertion)
Administer O2
Assist provider with chest tube insertion
Air Embolism Prevention
Have client lay flat when changing admin set or needleless connectors
Ask client to perform valsalva maneuver if possible
