Intravenous Infusion Therapy
Definition:
is frequently used with hospitalized patients to prevent , or treat fluid and electrolyte
imbalances. It is introduction of fluids into the patient using an intravenous route. The
nurse is responsible for initiating ,monitoring and discontinuing the intravenous infusion.
Purpose of Intravenous Infusion:
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Unconscious Patient ( e.g.: post operation ,accidents , etc..)
To keep the vein open
Electrolytes balance
To provide patient with fluid when required fluid intake can’t be given orally
To provides medication & chemotherapeutic agents
Blood transfusion
Nutrient and nutritional supplement
Types of Solutions:
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Isotonic Solutions – fluids with approximately close osmotic pressure to blood cells.
Examples:
- 0.9% Saline
- 5% Dextrose in 0.225% Saline (D5W1/4NS)
- Lactated Ringer’s
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Hypotonic Solutions – fluids which have less osmotic pressure than blood cells.
Examples:
Intravenous Infusion Therapy
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0.45% (1/2 NS)
0.225% (1/4 NS)
0.33% (1/3 NS)
Hypertonic Solutions – fluids which have greater osmotic pressure than blood cells.
Examples:
- 3% Saline
- 5% Saline
- 10% Dextrose in Water (D10W)
- 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Saline
- 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Saline
- 5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringer’s
Intravenous Infusion Therapy
Intravenous Infusion Devices:
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Cannula
IV tubing Set & Solution Bag
IV Pole and/or Pump
Tape
Intravenous Infusion Therapy
Procedure:
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Hang the IV fluid bag on the pole
Apply the infusion set to the bag (setting the dripping rate to a very slow rate is
favored to be done prior to injection of the set to the bag to prevent leakage)
Squeeze the dripping chamber to fill it (2/3 of it should be filled)
Test the system by opening the dripping rate, if worked re close the system
Connect the set to the cannula on the patient
Re-set the dripping rate to the favored rate and open it
Recording the Procedure
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Labeling the bottle or bag
Record on a sheet:
- Name of the pt.
- Type of solution
- Time of commencement
- Time of completion of each liter
- Flow rate
Intravenous Infusion Therapy
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Medication added (if any)
Name or signature of the one carrying out the procedure
Factors affecting the procedure
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Height of the intravenous pole The dropping flow rate is affected by gravity.
Position of the extremity If the wrist or elbow is raised or bent the flow goes
slower.
Constriction or kinking of intravenous tubing.
The position of the needle within the vein.
Complications
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Infiltration : fluid enters subcutaneous tissues
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Phlebitis : inflammation of a vein
Intravenous Infusion Therapy
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Thrombophlebitis : if the inflammations is accompanied by a thrombus
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Extravasation : inadvertent administration of vesicant drug into surrounding
tissues.
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Infection : due to prolong usage of the same site and maintenance of the vessel
opening
Air Embolism : entrance of air to the circulation causing obstruction
Fluid Overload : due to mistaken calculation or not correctly working system
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Intravenous Infusion Therapy
Prevention
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Hand washing
Sterile technique
Catheter size
Insertion site
Site inspection every two hours
Encourage patient to report any discomfort
Stopping of the Procedure:
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The procedure should be stopped when:
- The desired fluid is given to the patient.
- When over dosing occur.
- If an allergic signs are apparent due using a medication.
- If any of the mentioned complications occurred it must be a stop point.
VIP SCORING
Intravenous Infusion Therapy