Term
| What are the 4 main complications associated with infusions? |
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Definition
1. Infiltration
2. Extravasation
3. Local Infection
4. Venous Spasm |
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Term
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Definition
| Inadvertent administration of a nonvesicant solution into surrounding tissue. |
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Term
| What are causes of infiltration? |
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Definition
- Puncture of the distal vein wall during venipuncture.
- Dislodgement of the catheter or needle from the intima of the vein.
- Poorly secured infusion device.
- High delivery rate or pressure from an electronic infusion device.
- Overmanipulation. |
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Term
| What are s/s of an infiltration? |
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Definition
- Coolness of skin around the site.
- Taut skin.
- Edema at, above or below the insertion site.
- Absence of blood backflow. |
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Term
| How to prevent infiltration? |
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Definition
- Do not use veins that have had previous punctures or veins that are very fragile due to seeping.
- Turn pts carefully.
- Choose smallest IV catheter.
- Stabilize insertion site.
*Check site by gently applying pressure 3 inches above insertion site. If IV continues to infuse, it's most likely infiltrated. More accurate than checking back flow. |
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Term
| How would you treat an infiltration? |
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Definition
- Use warm or cold compresses.
- Elevation of the infiltrated extremity.
- Check infiltration scale. pg 565 |
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Term
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Definition
| The inadvertent administration of a vesicant solution into surrounding tissue. A vesicant solution is a fluid or medication that causes the formation of blisters, with subsequent sloughing of tissues. |
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Term
| What causes extravasation? |
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Definition
- Puncture of the distal vein wall during venipuncture.
- Dislodgement of the catheter or needle from the intima of the vein.
- Poorly secured infusion device.
- High delivery rate or pressure from an electronic infusion device.
- Overmanipulation.
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Term
| What are s/s of extravasation? |
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Definition
- Complaints of pain, tenderness or discomfort.
- Edema at, above or below the insertion site.
- Blanching at the area around the insertion site.
- Change in temperature of the skin at the site.
- Burning at the insertion site or along the venous pathway.
- Feeling of tightness below the site. |
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Term
| How can extravasation be prevented? |
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Definition
- Knowledge of s/s of extravasation.
- Give continuous vesicant administration into a long-term VAD.
- Assess site for blood flow every hour and assess site for tenderness. |
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Term
| Treatment for extravasation? |
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Definition
- Stop IV flow.
- Contact the physician.
- Photograph the area.
- Discontinue catheter.
- May use thermal manipulations, heat/cold depending on solutions.
- Elevate arm slightly, as tolerated.
- Use of antidotes if controversial:
Sodium bicarbonate
Regitine for vasopressors |
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Term
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Definition
| Consists of microbial contamination of the cannula or infusate. |
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Term
| What are causes of local infection? |
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Definition
- Lack of hand hygiene.
- Inappropriate technique to swab needle-free port before access.
- Catheter left in place more than 72hrs.
- Poor technique. |
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Term
| What are s/s of a local infection? |
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Definition
- Redness, swelling, induration at the site.
- Temperature changes.
- Possible exudates of purulent material.
- Increased quantity of white blood cells.
- Elevated temperature. |
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Term
| How to prevent local infections? |
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Definition
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Choose the catheter type, insertion site and technique appropriate for the pt, situation and solution.
- Maintain dressing.
- Maintain aseptic technique during cannula insertion and therapy. |
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Term
| How to treat a local infection? |
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Definition
- Notify the physician.
- Culture site as ordered.
- Apply a sterile dressing at site.
- Warm moist compresses.
- Antibiotics as ordered. |
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Term
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Definition
| A sudden, involuntary contraction of a vein or artery, resulting in temporary cessation of blood flow through a vessel. |
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Term
| What can cause a venous spasm? |
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Definition
- Administration of cold infusates.
- Mechanical or chemical irritation of the intima of the vein. |
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Term
| What are the s/s of a venous spasm? |
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Definition
- Sharp pain at the IV site that travels up the arm.
- Slowing of the infusion. |
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Term
| How could you prevent a venous spasm? |
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Definition
- Dilute the medication additive adequately.
- Keep the IV solution at room temperature.
- Deliver the solution at the prescribed rate. |
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Term
| How can venous spasms be treated? |
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Definition
- Apply warm compresses to extremity, decrease flow rate until the spasm subsides.
- If the spasm is unrelieved, remove the catheter. |
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