IV Equipment & Infusion Technology Flashcards

An elastomeric infusion device (balloon pump) is used primarily for which type of IV therapy?

Answer: Ambulatory antibiotic infusions where a portable, non-electronic delivery device is preferred

Elastomeric pumps use balloon pressure to deliver medication at a preset rate, making them ideal for home or ambulatory antibiotic infusions that do not require rate adjustment.

What is the recommended position of the drip chamber when setting up a primary IV infusion set?

Answer: Half-full to allow accurate drop counting and prevent air from entering the pump tubing

The drip chamber should be half-full to allow accurate visualization of the drop rate and to prevent air from being drawn into the tubing below the chamber.

Which gauge peripheral IV catheter is preferred for rapid fluid resuscitation in an adult trauma patient?

Answer: 16-gauge or larger catheter in the antecubital fossa

Large-bore (16-gauge or larger) peripheral catheters in large antecubital veins allow the maximum flow rates needed for rapid volume resuscitation in trauma.

What does 'KVO' (Keep Vein Open) refer to in IV therapy, and what is a typical KVO rate?

Answer: A very slow infusion rate (typically 10–30 mL/hour) used to maintain catheter patency between medication administrations

KVO (Keep Vein Open) is a very slow infusion rate, typically 10–30 mL/hour, used to maintain catheter patency and IV access between scheduled medication administrations.

Which of the following correctly describes the 'SASH' flush protocol for peripheral IV catheters?

Answer: Saline, Administer drug, Saline, Heparin (for heparin-lock catheters)

The SASH protocol (Saline-Administer-Saline-Heparin) is used for heparin-lock catheters to confirm patency, administer medication, clear residual drug, and maintain patency with heparin.

What is the most important action when a free-flow protection failure is suspected on an infusion pump?

Answer: Immediately clamp the administration set and remove the tubing from the pump for inspection

Free-flow protection failure means the anti-free-flow device has failed, allowing uncontrolled rapid infusion; immediately clamping the set and removing it from the pump prevents patient harm.