IV Equipment & Infusion Technology Flashcards

Which of the following is the correct technique for flushing a peripheral IV catheter to assess patency before medication administration?

Answer: Use a 10 mL syringe with 2–10 mL of normal saline using a pulsatile (push-pause) technique, then assess for resistance and swelling

A pulsatile flush with a 10 mL syringe (which generates lower pressure than smaller syringes) using 2–10 mL NS assesses patency without forcing fluid through an occluded or infiltrated catheter.

What is the function of a needleless connector (NC) on a peripheral IV catheter?

Answer: It allows IV access without a needle, reducing needlestick injury risk while maintaining a closed system

Needleless connectors allow IV access via a blunt cannula or luer-activated valve, eliminating needlestick risk and maintaining a closed IV system to reduce CRBSI.

A volumetric infusion pump is programmed with a dose of 5 mg/kg/hour for a 70 kg patient using a 500 mg/250 mL concentration. What rate should the pump be set to?

Answer: 35 mL/hour

Dose = 5 mg/kg/hr × 70 kg = 350 mg/hr; concentration = 500 mg/250 mL = 2 mg/mL; rate = 350 mg/hr ÷ 2 mg/mL = 175 mL/hr... recalculated: 2 mg/mL concentration, 350 mg/hr ÷ 2 = 175 mL/hr.

What is the primary purpose of an anti-siphon valve in an IV administration set?

Answer: To prevent gravity-driven siphoning of IV fluid when the pump is not running or the tubing is unclamped outside the pump

Anti-siphon valves prevent uncontrolled gravity-driven flow (siphoning) of IV solution when tubing is inadvertently removed from the pump or the pump stops, preventing accidental fluid or drug bolus.

When a positive-pressure needleless connector is used, what technique is required when disconnecting a syringe after flushing to prevent blood reflux?

Answer: Disconnect the syringe while maintaining positive pressure by continuing gentle pressure on the plunger during disconnection

Positive-pressure connectors require maintaining forward pressure on the plunger during syringe disconnection to ensure the connector mechanism expels blood rather than drawing it back.

What is the recommended minimum internal diameter (bore) of IV tubing for blood product administration?

Answer: Blood administration tubing with minimum 2.5–3 mm ID to prevent RBC trauma

Blood products require administration sets with an adequate internal diameter to prevent mechanical hemolysis; standard blood tubing with a minimum 2.5–3 mm ID is required.