|  | Healthcare Industry | Hospitals

Intravenous Patient Teaching Checklist

Intravenous (IV) therapy is achieved by gaining access to a patient's vein and injecting fluids or medications directly into the bloodstream. This process allows for faster response to the required therapy as the body does not have to absorb the product into the bloodstream. It is important to educate the patient about the procedure, including how it is done, what equipment will be used, why IV therapy is indicated and how to recognize complications.

  1. Procedure/Equipment

    • The procedure is simple in nature. Intravenous lines are inserted into a peripheral vein, most often in the hand or arm of an adult. The size of the needle required may change with the size and strength of the vein, as veins are typically weaker in the elderly population. Explain to the patient that this needle will be inserted under the skin and into the vein. The IV will then be secured to the skin and properly sealed to prevent infection. The IV catheter is connected to tubing which is then connected to IV fluids, which could include normal saline, chemotherapy, antibiotics and/or various blood products. The IV tubing runs through an IV pump which allows the healthcare provider to set the rate of infusion to the prescribed amount.

    Purpose

    • Intravenous therapy may be indicated for any number of reasons. Normal saline is often prescribed to treat moderate to severe cases of dehydration or when the patient is unable to keep fluids down due to nausea and vomiting. Intravenous antibiotics are prescribed to treat systemic infections, such as cellulitis, an infection of the connective tissue just beneath the skin. Blood transfusions may be necessary in cases where the patient has suffered a traumatic accident where a large amount of blood is lost. This may also be necessary when the body fails to produce enough new red blood cells. Chemotherapy may be prescribed in the treatment of cancer and is delivered intravenously. Teaching the patient about the need for IV therapy is necessary for compliance and helps relieve apprehension about the procedure.

    Complications

    • Unfortunately, intravenous therapy has complications as well. Therefore, it is important to teach patients about the various complications that may occur so that they may recognize them. One of these complications is infiltration, or fluid leaks into the tissue surrounding the vein. This may be accompanied by swelling, burning, and discomfort. Extravasation occurs when a vesicant drug, such as those used in chemotherapy, leaks into the surrounding tissue, with similar signs and symptoms to infiltration. In this case, however, the vesicant may destroy the surrounding tissue making it extremely important to catch and treat this early. Phlebitis, or an inflammation of the vein, may occur when receiving IV antibiotics which can be irritating to smaller veins. Symptoms of phlebitis include redness, tenderness and swelling. Education about recognition of these complications allows the patient to be involved and can help reduce the risk of further complications related to IV therapy.

Hospitals - Related Articles