7 IV Medication Administration and Monitoring Free Online FlashCards

What should be verified before preparing an IV medication dose?

Verify the patient, medication, indication, dose, route, time, allergies, and relevant clinical parameters; resolve unclear or conflicting orders before administration.

What are key preparation checks for an IV medication?

Use aseptic technique in a clean, designated area. Check the medication’s identity, concentration, expiration date, and appearance; do not use products with unexpected changes or uncertain sterility.

When should a prepared IV syringe or solution be labeled?

Label prepared syringes and solutions if they will not be administered immediately as part of an uninterrupted preparation-and-administration process.

How should an infusion-pump alert be handled?

Do not silence or bypass a pump alert without investigating its cause.

What does “push” mean for an IV push medication?

“Push” does not mean rapid administration. Verify that the medication is suitable for IV push, whether dilution is needed, and the specified administration time.

How is a volume-based pump rate calculated?

Divide the total volume in milliliters by the infusion time in hours: $\mathrm{mL/hour} = \frac{\mathrm{volume\ (mL)}}{\mathrm{time\ (hours)}}$.

How is a gravity infusion rate calculated?

Multiply volume in milliliters by the tubing drop factor, then divide by time in minutes: $\mathrm{drops/minute} = \frac{\mathrm{volume\ (mL)} \times \mathrm{drop\ factor\ (drops/mL)}}{\mathrm{time\ (minutes)}}$.

What is the calculation sequence for a weight-based infusion?

Calculate the dose per minute from the ordered dose and patient weight, convert it to the units used for the solution concentration, then calculate the hourly volume.

What factors can affect IV medication compatibility?

Compatibility depends on the drug, solution, concentration, container, contact time, temperature, and administration method. Confirm it with current labeling and an approved reference or pharmacist.

Does a clear solution prove that IV medications are compatible?

No. Incompatibility may be invisible or reduce drug potency without an obvious physical change; a clear solution does not establish compatibility.

What is infiltration, and what can it look like?

Infiltration is non-vesicant fluid entering surrounding tissue. The site may become swollen, cool, painful, tight, or leaky, and the infusion may slow or trigger alarms.

What is an urgent response to suspected extravasation?

Extravasation occurs when a vesicant or tissue-damaging medication enters surrounding tissue. Stop the infusion, seek clinical assistance, do not flush, and follow the drug-specific protocol.