Assisting in Intravenous Infusion

Intravenous infusion is the introduction of large amount of fluids into the vein to
maintain fluid and electrolyte balance of the body.

General Considerations:

• Maintain strict aseptic techniques throughout the procedure.

• Make sure needles are sharp and are in good working conditions.
• Watch patient closely during the procedure and report immediately signs of
unfavorable reactions such as increased pulse rate, precordial pain, chill and rise in
temperature.
• Observe patient for swelling around the site of injection which may indicate that the
needle is out of vein.
• If some drug has been added to the solution, indicate by means of label and attach
container of drug or the medicine card to the solution bottle by means of adhesive.
• Infants, young children and irrationals persons must be steadily restrained.

Equipments:

Tray lined with sterile towel containing:

1. Infusion solution
2. Disposable infusion set
3. Sterile needles
4. Cotton balls soaked in alcohol
5. Tourniquet
6. Adhesive tape (micropore tape) and
scissors
7. Slint
8. IV stand
9. Tissue paper
Preparation of Equipments:

1. Check order for solution in doctor’s order sheet. To avoid mistakes.

2. Remove protective metal seal from the bottle and also the rubber diaphragm
grasping edge and exerting a firm pull.
3. Place No. 18 needle in air inlet opening if necessary. To facilitate free flow of the
solution.
4. Insert the adaptor of the intravenous set into the outlet of the bottle and attach the
needle at the tip of set.
5. Invert solution bottle and run solution thru tubing. To expel air.
6. Take equipment and IV stand to bedside.

Preparation of Patient:

1. See to it that the patient is given a suitable explanation of the nature and purpose
of the treatment before the materials are brought inside the room. To have the
cooperation of patient and reduce his/ her anxiety.
2. Assist the patient into a comfortable position in bed. Back lying or Fowler’s
position.
3. Doctor or IV therapist chooses site of injection the nurse tightens tourniquet, one
inch above the injection site. Tourniquet is applied to provide visualization of the
vein.

4. Hand alcohol sponge to the doctor.

5. Suspend the bottle on the IV stand. The level should be approximately 18-24
inches above the level of the vein or at the height where gravity is sufficient to
overcome venous pressure. To promote free flow of the solution.
6. Release tourniquet when the doctor indicates needle in vein. Pressure obliterates
circulation.
7. Open regulators to allow free flow of the solution.
8. Secure needle in place with strips of the plaster and splint if necessary.
9. Regulate flow of solution as ordered. To prevent clogging of the needle.
10. Check site of injection frequently to insure that the needle is in the vein.
11. Leave bottle until fluid is consumed.
12. When the fluid has been consumed, clamp off the tubes when the solutions just
above the level of the metal cap and pull needle gently. To prevent air from
entering the tube that may cause embolism.
13. Remove adhesive strip and plaster marks with the use alcohol. Plaster marks
irritates skin and may cause skin lesions.
14. Apply pressure over the puncture area and apply a place of adhesive tape. To
prevent bleeding from the site for puncture.
15. Collect equipment on tray and return to nurse’s station. Clean and dispose articles
to proper places.
16. Record:
• Kind of solution and amount.
• Time solution as injected and by whom.
• Time consumed.
• Medication added if any.
• Any untoward reaction of patient.
 Unfavorable Reactions occurring from the Intravenous Therapy

REACTION SYMPTOMS CAUSE

Elements containing pyrogen

Pyrogenic
Rise in temperature, presents in the fluid.
(occurs most
severe chills Use of improperly sterilized
frequently)
apparatus.

Headache, flushed skin,

Too rapid administration of fluids
Speed Shock nausea and vomiting,
causing circulatory overload.
irregular pulse, dyspnea

Failure of clear apparatus of air

before administration of fluid.
Embolism Note: Infusion should be
discontinued with several cc. of
solution remaining in the reservoir.

Hardening of vein, pain

Use of hooked needle.
Thrombophlebitis in the direction of the
Constant use of the same vein.
flow in the vein.

Perforation of vein wall.

Tissue damage or Edema, discoloration of
Too rapid administration of fluid in
necrosis site
too small a vein.

Hematoma Discoloration site. Posterior puncture of vein wall.