Infusion Therapy & Solutions Flashcards
7 cards from real VA-BC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infusion Therapy & Solutions flashcards as text
What is the clinical distinction between infiltration and extravasation during IV infusion?
Answer: Infiltration involves non-vesicant fluid leaking into surrounding tissue; extravasation involves vesicant agents causing tissue damage
Infiltration refers to non-vesicant fluid leaking into surrounding tissue causing swelling, while extravasation specifically involves vesicant substances that can cause tissue necrosis.
Amphotericin B, an antifungal medication, must be reconstituted and diluted in which specific IV solution to prevent precipitation?
Answer: D5W (5% Dextrose in Water)
Amphotericin B is only compatible with D5W; mixing with any saline-containing solution causes the drug to precipitate and become ineffective.
According to current INS standards, peripheral IV catheters should be replaced based on which primary criterion?
Answer: Clinical indication such as signs of complication, not on a routine schedule
Current INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice recommend replacing peripheral IV catheters based on clinical indication (e.g., phlebitis, infiltration) rather than a routine time-based schedule.
A patient is scheduled to receive IV chemotherapy classified as a vesicant. The patient has only a peripheral IV catheter in place. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
Answer: Ensure a central venous access device is placed and confirmed prior to administration
Vesicant chemotherapy must be administered through a confirmed, patent central venous access device to prevent catastrophic extravasation and tissue necrosis.
Per INS standards, standard (non-lipid-containing) continuous IV administration sets should be changed no more frequently than every:
Answer: 96 hours (4 days)
INS standards recommend changing non-lipid IV administration sets no more frequently than every 96 hours (4 days) unless clinically indicated, to reduce infection risk from frequent line manipulation.
Which factor most significantly influences the rate of IV drug distribution and therapeutic effect once a medication enters the bloodstream?
Answer: Blood flow, patient hemodynamics, and drug pharmacokinetic properties
Drug distribution after IV administration is primarily determined by blood flow to target tissues, cardiac output, and the drug's own properties such as protein binding and lipid solubility.
When priming IV administration tubing for a new infusion, what is the correct technique to minimize air introduction into the line?
Answer: Invert all drip chambers and close clamps before spiking the bag, then open slowly to allow gravity fill
Proper priming requires inverting drip chambers and controlling flow speed to ensure a slow, gravity-driven fill that eliminates air pockets before the set reaches the patient.