Term | Definition |
Additive | Any drug or component added to an IV solution |
Admixture | An IV solution with at least one medication added to it |
Aerosolization | The spraying of small liquid or powder particles in the air; usually occurs when withdrawing needle from a vial when removing air from a syringe |
Ampule | A sealed glass container containing sterile injectable medication |
Bacteriocidal | An agent capable of killing bacteria |
Bacteriostatic | An agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria |
Bolus | An initial dose of medication or solution; usually a dose higher than the maintenance dose; also called loading dose |
Central line | An IV access site into one of the major blood vessels; this is the IV line through which hypertonic fluids may be given |
Compatibility | The ability of two or more components to be mixed together without physical or chemical degradation of any component |
Contamination | The presence of a harmful or unwanted substance |
Continuous infusion | An infusion given at a continuous rate over a long period of time |
Coring | The break off of a part of the rubber stopper of a vial or container due to an improper needle stick; the cored part of the robber stopper is usually pushed into the vial or container |
Critical site | Any opening or pathway that is at risk for contact with air or touch contamination |
Diluent | The liquid used to reconsitute a powder drug or the liquid added to reduce the concentration of another liquid |
Extravastation | A caustic or hazardous IV solution that has been inadvertently infused into the tissue surrounding the injection site |
Infilteration | An IV solution that is inadvertently infused into the tissue surrounding the injection site |
Infusion | The slow administration of medication or solution vial a parenteral route of administration |
Intermittent infusion | An infusion given over specific and shorter periods of time |
Intervenous piggyback | Delivery of a secondary IV solution into an existing IV line |
Loading dose | An initial dose of a drug that is used to achieve a desired drug level |
Mutiple dose vial | A vial that is intended for multiple needle punctures and withdrawls; usually contains preservatives to maintain sterility |
Parenteral | Adminstration of a drug via route of administration that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract |
Particulate | foreign objects or matter |
Pathogen | Disease-causing organisims such as bacteria, fungus, and viruses |
Peripheral line | An IV access site made through veins located in the arms, legs, hands, or feet |
Preservative | Any additive intended to extend the content, stability, or sterility of a medication or solution. |
Pyrogen | Fever-producign organism |
Reconstitution | Adding a diluent to powder to create a liquid |
Single-dose vial | A vial that contains no preservatives and is intended to be used only one time not designed to maintain sterility after multiple puncture |
Sterile compounding | The aseptic mixing of ingredients to prepare sterile medications (usually injectalbe) for patient use |
Vial | A small glass or plastic container that holds injectable medications and solutions |