IV lines deliver liquids and medications to the body. They are made from small, flexible tubing that's attached on one end to a bag of fluid and to a small needle inserted into a vein on the other end. Because a dangerous bacterial infection could be released into the bloodstream and body organs, it is important that the IV line be properly cared for.
Symptoms of IV Problems
Symptoms of IV problems include bleeding, blockage, drainage, inflammation, pain, redness, swelling and tenderness. If infection has entered the IV line, the patient may exhibit confusion, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, heat at the IV site, high temperature, inability to stay awake or loss of consciousness.
Preventative Steps
The most important first step is hand sanitation. Wash hands, nails, fingers and areas between the fingers with antibacterial soap. Rinse by pointing hands upward under running water. Dry them with sterile material.
IV lines and the surrounding areas must be kept sterile. Preventative steps include watching for physical symptoms like those outlined above. Dressings must be checked periodically, replacing any that are wet or soiled.
IV Care
Check IV solution against patient name. Then cross-check against patient records.
Label solution with its name, the patient's name, start date and time, drip instructions and end-of-treatment time. IVs may span across shifts, so make certain replacement nurses are up to date with IV instructions.
Sanitize the tips and needles of the IV with an alcohol pad. This will help prevent infection.
Flush the line periodically to prevent blockage. Always flush before and after adding medication.
Watch for infiltrated IVs that leak fluid into surrounding tissue instead of the vein. They negate the IV's effectiveness.
Keep air bubbles out of the IV line by priming. Invert the IV bag to insert the line from the top. Open the clamp and squeeze out any air in the top. Continue pushing until fluid enters the drip chamber. Then invert the bag back to its original position.
Resist changing IV flow. Some fluids can harm the patient if they are released too quickly. IVs that are too slow can inhibit the effectiveness and delay patient recovery.
Make sure IV dressings are secure to prevent migration or breakage. While breakage is rare, it can cause undue harm if it occurs.
Checking the IV patient's temperature periodically is critical. It will tell whether or not infection may be brewing.
IV obstructions occur quickly and without notice. Those that are mechanical in nature can inhibit or block flow. They are called hard occlusions. Look for faulty stopcocks, kinked tubing or a line airlock. Other obstructions are called partial occlusions. They compress around the IV, affecting its ability to function properly.
If problems are suspected, remove the dressing and check the IV site. Anything out of the ordinary should be immediately reported to the patient's physician.
Tags: against patient, patient name