WEEK 10 (PRACTICE LAB II) IV THERAPY
Learning Objective #1: Identify common intravenous (IV) solutions and equipment
Key Points:
● Common IV Solutions:
o Crystalloids:
▪Isotonic: 0.9% NaCl (Normal Saline), Lactated Ringer’s (LR),
D5W (initially isotonic)
▪Hypotonic: 0.45% NaCl (½ NS)
▪ Hypertonic: D10W, 3% NaCl, D5NS
Colloids: Albumin, Dextran (used to expand plasma volume)
o
● IV Equipment:
o IV bag (solution)
o IV tubing (primary and secondary)
o IV catheter (various gauges, e.g., 18G, 20G, 22G)
o IV pole
o Infusion pump or gravity system
o Drip chamber, roller clamp, spike, and Luer lock connection
Learning Objective #2: Demonstrate setting up and priming the IV line
Steps:
1. Check physician’s order and verify correct solution, rate, and duration.
2. Gather supplies (IV bag, tubing, pump, gloves, alcohol swab).
3. Inspect the solution for clarity, expiry date, and leaks.
4. Spike the bag: Remove protective covers and connect tubing aseptically.
5. Prime the line: Fill drip chamber halfway, open clamp, and allow fluid to run
until all air is removed.
6. Connect to patient’s IV site or saline lock using aseptic technique.
7. Set the prescribed rate on the IV pump or manually using the roller clamp.
Learning Objective #3: Demonstrate knowledge and application of IV regulation
(mL/h & gtt/min), and IV assessment
Regulation:
, ● Pump (mL/h):
o Formula → Total volume (mL) ÷ Time (h) = mL/h
● Gravity (gtt/min):
o Formula → (Volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL)) ÷ Time (min) =
gtt/min
● Assessments:
o Check site for redness, swelling, leakage, or pain.
o Ensure correct solution and flow rate.
o Monitor patient’s response (vital signs, lung sounds, urine output).
Learning Objective #4: Identify the potential complications of IV therapy
Common Complications:
● Infiltration: Fluid leaks into tissue → cool, swollen, pale site.
● Phlebitis: Inflammation of vein → red, warm, tender streak.
● Extravasation: Vesicant leaks into tissue → blistering, necrosis.
● Infection: Redness, pus, fever, pain at site.
● Fluid overload: Dyspnea, crackles, increased BP, bounding pulse.
● Air embolism: Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety.
Learning Objective #5: Demonstrate knowledge of documentation of IV therapy,
including fluid balance sheets
Documentation Includes:
● Type, amount, and rate of IV fluid.
● IV site location, gauge, condition of site.
● Time started, changed, and discontinued.
● Patient response and any complications.
, ● Total intake and output on fluid balance sheet.
✅
1. Test yourself:
What are the two complications at the IV site that we assess for on an ongoing
basis?
● Infiltration: Fluid leaking into surrounding tissue (cool, swollen, pale, and
painful site).
● Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein (redness, warmth, tenderness, and
possible red streak along vein).
2. What are the formulas required to calculate:
a) An IV rate with a pump (if not ordered in mL/h):
Total Volume( mL)
mL/h=
Time( hours )
b) An IV rate on a manual IV (without a pump):
Total Volume( mL)× Drop Factor ( gtt /mL)
gtt /min=
Time( minutes )
(INSERTION SITES FOR IV)
Learning Objective #1: Identify common intravenous (IV) solutions and equipment
Key Points:
● Common IV Solutions:
o Crystalloids:
▪Isotonic: 0.9% NaCl (Normal Saline), Lactated Ringer’s (LR),
D5W (initially isotonic)
▪Hypotonic: 0.45% NaCl (½ NS)
▪ Hypertonic: D10W, 3% NaCl, D5NS
Colloids: Albumin, Dextran (used to expand plasma volume)
o
● IV Equipment:
o IV bag (solution)
o IV tubing (primary and secondary)
o IV catheter (various gauges, e.g., 18G, 20G, 22G)
o IV pole
o Infusion pump or gravity system
o Drip chamber, roller clamp, spike, and Luer lock connection
Learning Objective #2: Demonstrate setting up and priming the IV line
Steps:
1. Check physician’s order and verify correct solution, rate, and duration.
2. Gather supplies (IV bag, tubing, pump, gloves, alcohol swab).
3. Inspect the solution for clarity, expiry date, and leaks.
4. Spike the bag: Remove protective covers and connect tubing aseptically.
5. Prime the line: Fill drip chamber halfway, open clamp, and allow fluid to run
until all air is removed.
6. Connect to patient’s IV site or saline lock using aseptic technique.
7. Set the prescribed rate on the IV pump or manually using the roller clamp.
Learning Objective #3: Demonstrate knowledge and application of IV regulation
(mL/h & gtt/min), and IV assessment
Regulation:
, ● Pump (mL/h):
o Formula → Total volume (mL) ÷ Time (h) = mL/h
● Gravity (gtt/min):
o Formula → (Volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL)) ÷ Time (min) =
gtt/min
● Assessments:
o Check site for redness, swelling, leakage, or pain.
o Ensure correct solution and flow rate.
o Monitor patient’s response (vital signs, lung sounds, urine output).
Learning Objective #4: Identify the potential complications of IV therapy
Common Complications:
● Infiltration: Fluid leaks into tissue → cool, swollen, pale site.
● Phlebitis: Inflammation of vein → red, warm, tender streak.
● Extravasation: Vesicant leaks into tissue → blistering, necrosis.
● Infection: Redness, pus, fever, pain at site.
● Fluid overload: Dyspnea, crackles, increased BP, bounding pulse.
● Air embolism: Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety.
Learning Objective #5: Demonstrate knowledge of documentation of IV therapy,
including fluid balance sheets
Documentation Includes:
● Type, amount, and rate of IV fluid.
● IV site location, gauge, condition of site.
● Time started, changed, and discontinued.
● Patient response and any complications.
, ● Total intake and output on fluid balance sheet.
✅
1. Test yourself:
What are the two complications at the IV site that we assess for on an ongoing
basis?
● Infiltration: Fluid leaking into surrounding tissue (cool, swollen, pale, and
painful site).
● Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein (redness, warmth, tenderness, and
possible red streak along vein).
2. What are the formulas required to calculate:
a) An IV rate with a pump (if not ordered in mL/h):
Total Volume( mL)
mL/h=
Time( hours )
b) An IV rate on a manual IV (without a pump):
Total Volume( mL)× Drop Factor ( gtt /mL)
gtt /min=
Time( minutes )
(INSERTION SITES FOR IV)
