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Complications of PIV
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Define infiltration. | Leakage of non‑vesicant IV fluid/med into surrounding tissue. |
| 3 classic signs of infiltration. | Swelling/tightness cool or blanching skin/redness decreased flow rate or occlusion alarms. |
| First action at first sign of infiltration. | Stop infusion remove device elevate limb warm/cool compress per solution restart IV at a new site with new tubing. |
| Two prevention tips for infiltration. | Avoid areas of flexion secure catheter and verify patency before infusing. |
| Define extravasation. | Leakage of a vesicant into tissue → risk of ulceration/necrosis and loss of function. |
| Early signs of extravasation. | Discomfort/burning/tightness leakage cool/blanching skin → may progress to blistering/sloughing. |
| First actions for suspected extravasation (sequence). | Stop infusion → leave catheter in place → aspirate through catheter → give antidote if ordered → elevate limb → appropriate compresses → document restart at new site with new tubing. |
| Name four vesicants (non‑chemo included). | Vancomycin, amiodarone, promethazine, dopamine (others: hydroxyzine, digoxin, many antineoplastics). |
| When should a central line be used for vesicants? | Per facility policy many institutions require CVAD for vesicant administration. |
| Define PIV‑related infection and first response. | Infection at/near PIV or systemic; stop infusion, remove device, notify provider; culture tip only if CRBSI suspected. |
| Two prevention steps for PIV infection during access. | Hand hygiene/ANTT scrub injection ports with alcohol 15 seconds before every use. |
| Define phlebitis and list three causes. | Vein inflammation; chemical (pH/osmolarity/rate), mechanical (trauma/large device), bacterial (poor asepsis). |
| Signs of phlebitis.. | Pain/tenderness warmth/erythema swelling/induration palpable cord possible purulence |
| Management of phlebitis. | Stop infusion warm moist compress elevate limb new PIV in opposite arm/larger vein/smaller device with new tubing document. |
| Phlebitis prevention— | device selection. Use smallest appropriate gauge allowing hemodilution verify dilution/rate per drug reference frequent site checks. |
| Define hypersensitivity reaction to IV meds. | Immediate, potentially life‑threatening reaction: rash/urticaria, wheeze/bronchospasm, hypotension, facial/airway swelling, sudden fever. |
| First steps for suspected IV hypersensitivity. | Stop infusion notify provider give epinephrine/antihistamines/fluids as ordered monitor vitals and support emotionally. |
| Prevent/detect early hypersensitivity with a new drug. | Confirm allergies stay with patient first 5–10 min of new infusion monitor at policy intervals. |
| Critical difference in catheter handling: infiltration vs extravasation. | Infiltration: remove catheter. Extravasation: leave in to aspirate/administer antidote, then remove. |
| What must be changed before restarting after a complication? | Site (different/proximal or contralateral) and IV tubing per facility protocol. |
| Patient teaching to reduce PIV complications. | Report pain, swelling, burning, tightness, or leakage promptly; avoid bending limb if site near flexion. |
| Two documentation essentials after a complication. | Describe site/symptoms and amount extravasated (if applicable) record all interventions and patient response. |