4 Infusion Monitoring and Complications Free Online FlashCards

A patient reports soreness at a peripheral IV site. What should you do first?

Assess the patient and IV site, including pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and infusion function.

What IV-site findings are consistent with phlebitis?

Warmth, tenderness, redness (erythema), and a palpable cord along the vein are signs consistent with phlebitis.

What is an appropriate response to suspected phlebitis?

Stop using the affected peripheral catheter and remove it according to policy. Assess the patient and notify the appropriate clinician as indicated.

What is IV infiltration?

Infiltration is leakage of infused fluid into the surrounding tissue.

A non-vesicant infusion site becomes puffy and cool, and flow slows. What should you do?

Stop the infusion and assess the patient and site. If infiltration is suspected, discontinue the affected catheter and manage the site per policy; elevate the limb if appropriate.

What is the priority response to suspected vesicant extravasation?

Stop the infusion immediately and do not flush the catheter. Follow the drug-specific extravasation protocol and promptly notify the appropriate clinician and pharmacist.

Why might a catheter remain temporarily in place after vesicant extravasation?

A drug-specific protocol may direct you to leave the catheter temporarily in place to aspirate residual medication or give an antidote. Apply compresses or give an antidote only as directed.

What is the safest initial approach to a downstream occlusion alarm?

Check the patient and IV site first, then trace the tubing for a closed clamp, kink, disconnection, or other obstruction.

How should you respond to resistance or an infusion pump alarm?

Do not bypass an alarm or force a flush to overcome resistance. Correct an identified cause according to policy, verify the medication and rate, and reassess before restarting.

What should you do if a patient on IV fluids develops shortness of breath and crackles?

Treat the change as urgent: assess breathing and vital signs, promptly notify the appropriate clinician, and follow orders or emergency procedures. Reassess rather than continuing the unchanged infusion.

What details belong in clinical documentation after suspected infiltration or extravasation?

Record the time, site and symptoms, relevant changes, fluid or medication and rate, actions taken, notifications and timing, protocol-guided treatment or orders, and the patient’s response and follow-up assessments.

Does an event report replace clinical documentation?

Use the facility’s required event-reporting process, but remember that an event report does not replace clinical documentation.