~:Aims

:To gain peripheral venous access in order to .1

administer fluids *
administer blood products, medications and nutritional *
.components

To minimize the risk of complications when initiating IV therapy .2

:through

.judicious choice of equipment *

.careful choice of IV site *
.good insertion technique *
.aseptic preparation of infusions *

~:Known Complications of IV Therapy

Phlebitis Infection Extravasations
Contributing factors Contributing factors Contributing factors

Catheter material Contaminated infusions Age

Catheter size Poor technique Site of cannula
Site of insertion Host factors Type of cannula
Skill of operator Duration of cannula
Rate of infusion IV drug infusions
Type of skin prep
~:IV Care
Check IV solution against patient name. Then cross-check against
.patient records

Label solution with its name, the patient's name, start date and time,
drip instructions and end-of-treatment time. IVs may span across
shifts, so make certain replacement nurses are up to date with IV
.instructions

Sanitize the tips and needles of the IV with an alcohol pad. This will
.help prevent infection

Flush the line periodically to prevent blockage. Always flush before

.and after adding medication

Watch for infiltrated IVs that leak fluid into surrounding tissue
.instead of the vein. They negate the IV's effectiveness

Keep air bubbles out of the IV line by priming. Invert the IV bag to
insert the line from the top. Open the clamp and squeeze out any air
in the top. Continue pushing until fluid enters the drip chamber.
.Then invert the bag back to its original position

Resist changing IV flow. Some fluids can harm the patient if they are
released too quickly. IVs that are too slow can inhibit the
.effectiveness and delay patient recovery

Make sure IV dressings are secure to prevent migration or breakage.

.While breakage is rare, it can cause undue harm if it occurs

Checking the IV patient's temperature periodically is critical. It will

.tell whether or not infection may be brewing
IV obstructions occur quickly and without notice. Those that are
mechanical in nature can inhibit or block flow. They are called hard
occlusions. Look for faulty stopcocks, kinked tubing or a line airlock.
.Other obstructions are called partial occlusions
They compress around the IV, affecting its ability to function
.properly

If problems are suspected, remove the dressing and check the IV site.
Anything out of the ordinary should be immediately reported to the
patient's physician