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35 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
What is meant by isotonic?
when a solution has an osmolarity equivalent to that of blood
What is meant by hypertonic?
intravenous solutions that have greater osmolarity than blood
What is meant by hypotonic?
intravenous solutions that have lower osmolarity than blood
purpose of isotonics
to replace circulatory volume
purpose of hypertonics
to promote excretion
to draw off fluid
Purpose of hypotonics
to replace fluids
to hydrate
Clinical use for isotonics
Clinical use for hypertonics
replace plasma loss
Clinical use for hypotonics
fluid shift
What can hypertonic and hypotonic solutions do?
What is an ampule?
an elongated sealed glass container with a neck that must be snapped off
What is the lumen of the needle?
the hollow bore of the needle
Define Intradermal (ID)
Injection into the dermis just under the epidermis.
Define Subcutaneous (Sub-Q)
Injection into tissues just below the dermis of the skin.
Six "Rights" of Medications
How can you differentiate between a syringe intended for oral use, and one inteneded for parenteral use?
Oral syringes dont have a luerlock hub, but do have a cap.

Parenteral have a luerlock hub that is used to securely attach a needle.
When using a prefilled, single dose syringe, and it contains more than the ordered dose, what action should the nurse take?
Discard the extra amount BEFORE injecting the patient.
What type of syringe is used for U-100 insulin?
ONLY a U-100 Insulin Syringe.
In a U-100 Insulin Syringe 100U=____ mL?
100U = 1 mL
What are the calibrations used in a 1ml syringe?
What is another name for a 1ml syringe?
A TB Syringe.
When aligning the plunger in a syringe to a callibration, what is used as the marker?
The Top Ring of the black rubber tip.
Are all syringes marked in mL?
No, some use cc, which are interchangable.
Routes of 4 parenteral drug administration (know degrees of needle entry)
1. subcutaneous 45
2. IM 90
3. IV 25
4. ID 10 - 25
What are the goals of Intravenous Therapy
1. Prevent and/or correct fluid (dehydration or fluid overload)

2. Maintain immediate IV access for medication administration (potential code or code symptoms,

IV antibiotic administration).

3. Treat electrolyte disturbances (Smith, 2000, 842)

( Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Chloride, Bicarbonate and Phosphate)

4. Administer nutrition (Dextrose, Total Parenteral Nutrition)
RN Role in intravenous therapy
1. Initiating IV access for peripheral IV sites or assisting with insertion of central lines. (PICC, {peripherally inserted central catheter} lines are inserted by specially trained RNs. )

2. Administering prescribed IV solutions, medications and blood products

3. Evaluating patient's response to prescribed therapy.

4. Maintain and observe for complications
list the different gauges that an IV catheter can be and what are they used for
A. 16: trauma; people giving blood donations

B. 18: patients receiving multiple blood transfusions; ER patients; surgery patients

C. 20: large volume IV fluids; diagnostic procedures

D. 22: adults with small veins; geriatric patients receiving IV fluids or medications

E. 24: pediatric; geriatrics
Intravenous Therapy-
Nursing Implications
1. Not on side of a mastectomy

2. Not on extremity of hemodialysis access

3. Distal end of vein should be selected first, reserving more proximal sites for future IV therapy.

4. Elderly have thin skin and lack of support tissue.
What are some Complications that can happen from giving Intravenous Therapy

Infection- Redness at site, warmth at site, tenderness at site

Change tubing and site q 72 hours, Change IV solutions q 24 hours, may use filters

Phlebitis – Pain along the vein, tenderness, erythema – red streak at vein site. Edema at insertion site

Sluggish flow rate, area is warm to touch

Infiltration of fluid – Edema around insertion site- blanching of infusion site – coolness of skin around site - no backflow of blood

Extravasation of medication
Why is it important for the nurse check the expiration date on the bag and assess for cloudiness or leakage?
to ensure the solution is sterile
What is it important to unroll tubing and close roller clamp with opening a new infusion set?
Prevents fluid from leaking after IV bag is spiked
Why is it important to spike bag with tip of new tubing and compress drip chamber to fill halfway?
This promotes rapid flow of solution through new tubing without air bubbles.
What is it important when opening roller clamp to remove protective cap from the end of the tubing, and slowly flush solution completely through tubing?
This removes air from tubing. Prevents entry of air into the venous system, a cause of air embolus. If fluid enters tubing too rapidly air bubbles occur.
Why is it important to close roller clamp and replace cap protector?
This prevents fluid from leaking and maintains sterility of tubing.
When removing old tubing and replacing with new tubing, why is it important to place sterile 2x2 gauze under IV catheter or heparin lock?
Absorbs fluids that may drip during the procedure, preventing contamination of surrounding areas.