IV therapy complications notes
This study set covers various complications associated with intravenous (IV) therapy in nursing, including their causes, symptoms, and management strategies.
Quiz(48 questions)
1. What is the main characteristic of phlebitis?
Terms in this Study Set(48)
Phlebitis and Infiltration(16)
What is phlebitis?
Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein, often characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain along the vein.
True or False: Phlebitis can occur without an IV catheter.
False, phlebitis is typically associated with IV catheter use and can result from irritation.
Symptoms of infiltration include...
Swelling, discomfort, coolness of the skin, and a decrease in infusion rate.
Fill in the blank: Phlebitis can increase the risk of ____.
Thrombosis, due to decreased blood flow and vessel irritation.
What causes phlebitis?
Mechanical irritation from the catheter, chemical irritation from infusates, or infection.
Compare phlebitis and infiltration.
Phlebitis is vein inflammation; infiltration involves fluid leaking into surrounding tissue.
What is a common treatment for phlebitis?
Discontinuing the IV line, applying warm compresses, and possibly administering anti-inflammatory medications.
True or False: Infiltration is a serious complication.
False, while it requires attention, infiltration is generally less serious than phlebitis.
What is the primary sign of infiltration?
Swelling at the IV site, which may feel firm or hard.
Cause → Effect: Mechanical irritation causes ____.
Phlebitis, leading to potential discomfort and risk of thrombosis.
Symptoms of phlebitis include...
Redness, swelling, tenderness, and warmth over the affected vein.
Fill in the blank: The ____ scale is used to assess phlebitis severity.
Baker's scale, which categorizes phlebitis from 0 to 4.
What is the role of the nurse in preventing infiltration?
Regularly assess IV site, secure catheter properly, and choose appropriate vein.
True or False: Phlebitis can only occur with peripheral IVs.
False, it can also occur with central lines.
What should be monitored to detect infiltration early?
IV site for swelling, pain, or changes in skin temperature.
How can phlebitis be treated at home?
Warm compresses, rest, and over-the-counter pain relief, if mild.
Infection and Thrombosis(16)
What is IV-related infection?
An infection occurring at the IV site due to microbial contamination.
Fill in the blank: IV infections can occur from ____ contamination.
Skin or equipment
True or False: All IV therapy leads to infections.
False. Infections are not inevitable; proper care minimizes risk.
What are signs of IV site infection?
Redness, swelling, warmth, and purulent discharge.
How does thrombosis occur?
Formation of a blood clot in a vein, often due to injury or stasis.
Cause → Effect: Inadequate IV site care → ____
Increased risk of infection
What is a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)?
A serious infection linked to the use of central venous catheters.
List two risk factors for IV-related thrombosis.
- Prolonged immobilization - Hypercoagulable states
True or False: Thrombosis can be asymptomatic.
True. Many patients may not show symptoms until complications arise.
What is DVT in IV therapy?
Deep vein thrombosis, a condition where blood clots form in deep veins.
Cause → Effect: Infection at the IV site → ____
Potential systemic infection
Compare local infection and systemic infection.
- Local: restricted to IV site - Systemic: affects the whole body
Signs of thrombosis: Name one.
Swelling in the affected limb
What are common treatments for IV infections?
Antibiotics, drainage, and catheter removal.
Fill in the blank: Thrombosis can lead to ____ if not treated.
Pulmonary embolism
What preventive measures reduce IV infections?
Proper hand hygiene, aseptic technique, regular site monitoring.
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances(16)
Fluid overload → Definition?
Excess fluid in the body leading to edema, hypertension, and respiratory distress.
Hypokalemia causes?
Low potassium levels due to: - Diuretics - Poor dietary intake - Vomiting - Excess sweating
What is hypernatremia?
Elevated sodium levels in the blood, often due to dehydration or excessive sodium intake.
True or False: Hyponatremia can lead to seizures.
True. Low sodium can cause neurological symptoms, including seizures and confusion.
Signs of fluid deficit?
Signs include: - Thirst - Dry mucous membranes - Decreased urine output
What is the effect of hypercalcemia?
High calcium levels can cause muscle weakness, confusion, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Fill in the blank: Hypomagnesemia leads to ________ contractions.
Muscle contractions. Low magnesium can cause muscle cramps and spasms.
Fluid shifts → Cause?
Fluid shifts can occur due to: - Osmotic pressure changes - Capillary permeability - Electrolyte imbalances
What is the difference between isotonic and hypertonic solutions?
Isotonic solutions have equal osmolarity to blood, while hypertonic solutions have higher osmolarity, causing cells to shrink.
Hypervolemia effects?
Effects include: - Increased blood pressure - Edema - Pulmonary congestion
What are common symptoms of hypocalcemia?
Symptoms include: - Tingling in fingers - Muscle spasms - Abnormal heart rhythms
True or False: IV therapy can never cause electrolyte imbalances.
False. IV therapy can lead to imbalances if not monitored correctly.
Causes of dilutional hyponatremia?
Causes include: - Excessive IV fluids - Kidney dysfunction - Congestive heart failure
What is the relationship between potassium and cardiac function?
Potassium is vital for proper cardiac function; imbalances can lead to arrhythmias.
Signs of hyperkalemia?
Signs include: - Muscle weakness - Fatigue - Palpitations
Define hypophosphatemia.
Low phosphate levels in the blood, leading to muscle weakness and bone pain.
Questions in this Study Set(48)
1. What is the main characteristic of phlebitis?
2. What is the primary cause of IV-related infections?
3. What is fluid overload?
4. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of infiltration?
5. Which of the following is NOT a method to reduce the risk of infection at an IV site?
6. Which is a common cause of hypokalemia?
7. What is a common sign of phlebitis?
8. What is the primary sign of an infection at the IV site?
9. What does hypernatremia indicate?
10. Which complication involves liquid leaking into the surrounding tissue?
11. How does thrombosis typically occur in IV therapy?
12. True or False: Hyponatremia can cause seizures.
13. What is a primary treatment for phlebitis?
14. What condition is associated with central venous catheters that can lead to serious infections?
15. What is a sign of fluid deficit?
16. Which of the following statements is true regarding infiltration?
17. Fill in the blank: Inadequate care of an IV site can lead to ____.
18. What effect does hypercalcemia have on the body?
19. Fill in the blank: The severity of phlebitis can be assessed using the ____ scale.
20. Which symptom indicates the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
21. Fill in the blank: Hypomagnesemia leads to ________ contractions.
22. What are the potential risks associated with untreated phlebitis?
23. What is a potential complication of untreated thrombosis?
24. What causes fluid shifts in the body?
25. Which of the following is a common cause of phlebitis?
26. True or False: All patients receiving IV therapy will develop an infection.
27. What is the difference between isotonic and hypertonic solutions?
28. True or False: Phlebitis can occur with central lines.
29. What characterizes a systemic infection compared to a local infection at an IV site?
30. What are the effects of hypervolemia?
31. What should a nurse do to monitor for infiltration?
32. Which is a common sign of an IV site infection?
33. Which symptoms are common in hypocalcemia?
34. Fill in the blank: Symptoms of infiltration include swelling, discomfort, and a decrease in ____ rate.
35. Fill in the blank: Regular site monitoring of IV therapy can help prevent ____.
36. True or False: IV therapy can never cause electrolyte imbalances.
37. What is a non-pharmacological treatment for mild phlebitis at home?
38. What are common treatments for IV-related infections?
39. What causes dilutional hyponatremia?
40. Which of the following is true about infiltration?
41. True or False: Thrombosis can occur without any noticeable symptoms.
42. Why is potassium important for cardiac function?
43. Cause → Effect: Mechanical irritation from a catheter leads to _____.
44. Which of the following is a risk factor for IV-related thrombosis?
45. What are signs of hyperkalemia?
46. Which of the following is NOT a common cause of phlebitis?
47. Which of the following is a potential consequence of an IV site infection?
48. Define hypophosphatemia.
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