6 Foundations of IV and Parenteral Therapy Free Online FlashCards

What does parenteral therapy mean?

Parenteral therapy delivers medication or solution without using the gastrointestinal tract, commonly by intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous routes.

What makes IV medication errors especially time-critical?

IV delivery produces rapid, predictable systemic effects, but leaves little time to correct a dose or rate error.

What is the general effect of isotonic crystalloids?

Isotonic crystalloids, such as 0.9% sodium chloride and lactated Ringer’s, have an effective concentration near plasma and generally expand extracellular fluid.

How does a midline tip location differ from a PICC tip location?

A midline catheter’s tip does not terminate in a central vein; a PICC is inserted through a peripheral vein but its tip terminates in a central vein.

How does extravasation differ from infiltration?

Infiltration is fluid entering surrounding tissue; extravasation is leakage of a tissue-damaging medication into tissue.

Why must gravity tubing flow be observed closely?

Gravity tubing flow can vary with bag height, patient movement, and other factors, so it requires close observation.

What must be checked before medications share an IV line?

Verify compatibility with the solution, tubing, connectors, and any medication already infusing. Do not assume two medications can share a line.

How is a gravity infusion rate in drops per minute calculated?

Calculate the gravity rate as $\text{drops/min} = \frac{\text{volume (mL)} \times \text{drop factor (drops/mL)}}{\text{time (min)}}$.

How do hypotonic solutions affect water movement?

Hypotonic solutions, such as 0.45% sodium chloride, have a lower effective concentration than plasma and promote water movement into cells.

Where do hypertonic solutions draw water?

Hypertonic solutions have a higher effective concentration than plasma and draw water toward the extracellular space; they require close monitoring for fluid and electrolyte shifts.

When is intraosseous access used?

Intraosseous access provides emergency access through bone marrow when rapid vascular access is needed and IV access is not readily available; it is generally temporary.

What do smart-pump safeguards not replace?

A smart pump’s medication library and dose limits are safeguards, not substitutes for checking the order, concentration, programming, and patient response.