ATI Fundamentals IV, Fluid Imbalances,
Electrolytes
Involves infusing fluids via an IV catheter to administer medications, supplement fluid intake, or
provide fluid replacement, electrolytes or nutrients - ANSIV therapy
What is the nurse's part with IV therapy? - ANSRegulating the infusion, and being sure to deliver
the right amount
What is a fluid bolus? - ANSLarge amount of IV fluid to give in a short time, usually less than 1
hour
Why do we give a patient a fluid bolus? - ANSFluid loss from dehydration, shock, hemorrhage,
burns or trauma
What are the advantages of IV therapy? - ANSRapid absorption and onset of action, constant
therapeutic blood levels, less irritation to SQ and muscle tissue
What are disadvantages of IV therapy? - ANSCirculatory fluid overload is possible if the volume
of solution is large or infusion rate is rapid, immediate absorption leaves little time to correct
errors, solutions and iv catheters can irritate lining of the vein, failure to maintain surgical
asepsis can lead to local and systemic infection
What ways do nurses administer IV medication? - ANSGiving medication mixed in large volume
of fluid as continuous IV such as potassium chloride and vitamins
Delivering medication in premixed solution bags from medication's manufacturer
Giving some intermittently in a small amount of solution through continuous IV with saline or
heparin lock
Infusing medications for short periods of time and on a schedule
Using secondary IV bag
Nurses giving an IV bolus should : - ANSInject meds in short amounts of solution over a short
amount of time
Administer meds directly into peripheral IV or access port
, Preparing meds in correct concentration and safe rate
Using extreme caution and observing for adverse reactions
For older adult clients, clients taking anticoagulants or clients who have fragile veins (IV) the
nurse should : - ANSAvoid tourniquets, use BP cuff, do not slap extremity to visualize veins,
avoid rigorous friction while cleaning the site
If clients have edema (IV) the nruse should: - ANSApply digital pressure over the selected vines
to displace edema, apply pressure with swab of cleaning solution, cannulate the beings
How do we prevent IV infections? - ANSPreform hand hygiene, change IV sites according to
policy, use sterile needle, wipe all ports with alcohol before inserting a syringe
Pallor, local swelling at the site, decreased skin temp around the site, damp dressing, slowed
rate of infusion - ANSInfiltration
What is the treatment of infiltration? - ANSStop infusion and remove catheter, encourage range
of motion, apply compress, restart procedure in another extremity
Edema; throbbing, burning or pain at the site; increased skin temp; erythema; a red line up the
arm with palpable band at vein site; slowed rate of infusion - ANSPhlebitis
What is the treatment for phlebitis? - ANSDC infusion and remove catheter, apply warm
compress, obtain specimens for culture at site
What is the prevention of phlebitis? - ANSRotate sites, avoid lower extremities, hand hygiene
What are the four broad main complications of IV therapy? - ANSInfiltration, phlebitis,
hematoma, fluid overload, cellulitis, catheter embolus
What percentage of fluid are men? - ANS60-70%
What percentage of fluid are women? - ANS50-55%
What percentage of fluid are the elderly? - ANS47%
What percentage of fluid are infants? - ANS78-80%
ICF makes up _____ of TBW - ANS80%
ECF makes up _____ of TBW - ANS20%