What are complications of IV therapy?

What are complications of IV therapy?

Complications of gaining I.V. may include infiltration, hematoma, an air embolism, phlebitis, extravascular drug administration, and intraarterial injection. Intraarterial injection is more rare, but as threatening.

What is the most common complication of IV therapy?

The most common include:

1. Phlebitis. Inflammation of the vein.
2. Extravasation. This happens when the liquid in the IV leaks to the tissue surrounding the vein.
3. Air Embolism. This happens when an air bubble (or air bubbles) enters the vein.
4. Hypervolaemia. This is an abnormal increase in blood volume.
5. Infection.

What precautions do you consider to take in an IV therapy?

Treatment: Stop infusion and remove cannula. Follow agency policy related to infiltration. Always secure peripheral catheter with tape or IV stabilization device to avoid accidental dislodgement. Avoid areas of flexion and always assess IV site prior to giving IV fluids or IV medications.

What are local complications of IV therapy?

Good venipuncture technique is the main factor related to the prevention of most local complications associated with IV Therapy. Local complications include: hematoma, thrombosis, phlebitis, postinfusion phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, infiltration, extravasation, local infection, and veno spasm.

What are the complications of IV cannulation?

The procedure of establishing peripheral venous access carries the risk of potential complications to both the patient and the practitioner. Complications include infection, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, emboli, pain, haematoma or haemorrhage, extravasation, arterial cannulation and needlestick injuries.

What are the signs of IV infiltration?

What are signs of an infiltration/extravasation?

• Redness around the site.
• Swelling, puffy or hard skin around the site.
• Blanching (lighter skin around the IV site)
• Pain or tenderness around the site.
• IV not working.
• Cool skin temperature around the IV site or of the scalp, hand, arm, leg or foot near the site.

How do you prevent IV infections?

Maintain a clean, dry and intact dressing with Chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge or dressing – Change dressings every seven days and/or when the dressing becomes damp, loosened or soiled – Clean and disinfect the skin and catheter hub at every dressing change.

What is the treatment for IV infiltration?

Some possible treatments are: Elevate the site as much as possible to help reduce swelling. Apply a warm or cold compress (depending on the fluid) for 30 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Medication-If recommended, medicine for extravasations is given within 24 hours for best effect.

Are there any side effects to IV treatment?

This could be either medication or nutrition. IV Therapy is a common practice for administering fluids to dehydrated patients, medications, chemotherapy treatments, and blood transfusions. While IV treatment is relatively safe, there can be complications if not administered properly. The most common include: 1. Phlebitis.

What to know about complications of peripheral i.v.therapy?

If you are administering I.V. fluids or medications to a patient through a peripheral I.V. site, be alert for signs and symptoms of complications, institute preventive measures, and know how to intervene when complications do occur. You may also want to review the following Nursing Pocket Card on…

How can I avoid a complication with an IV?

The complication can be avoided by ensuring that the patient is properly hydrated and resting in a supine position when injecting and removing the IV line.

What are the local complication rates of IV catheters?

This study demonstrates that the work of an IV therapy team can significantly reduce local and infectious complications of peripheral IV catheters. The overall local complication rate was 21.7% in house staff catheters and 7.9% in IV team catheters (Table 2).