Intravenous therapies are considered to be a very important element of medical care. There are many reasons why these are administered and prescribed to patients, for example replacing lost fluids and maintaining electrolyte balance.
Classifications and the proper placing of IV fluids
The two types of solutions used for intravenous therapy are colloid or crystalloid. Colloid solutions have protein or starch molecules and their appearance is generally cloudy and thick in consistency. On the other hand, crystalloid solutions are clear fluids and are as viscous as water. Further classifications of crystalloid solutions include isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic. Isotonic solutions increase circulating volume at a cellular level, whereas hypotonic solutions ensure a low-level serum osmolality, causing fluids to shift into cells and interstitial space. Hypertonic solutions increase serum osmolality levels and pull fluid out of the cells and into intravascular space.
Several different locations are used for the placing of drips. The most popular as well as widely used is peripheral access, placed into the arm. Another type used is known as the multi-lumen central catheter, which is placed into the superior vena cava found in the right atrium. Some, such as tunneled central venous catheters, are surgically implanted in the subclavian vein.
Caring for those undergoing Intravenous therapy
Since many opt for intravenous therapy, it is important to take necessary precautions and care when taking an intravenous drip. The doctor should constantly monitor the patient, document the appropriate findings and make sure that the tubing and bottles used are fresh and clean.
Important care for intravenous drip patients is also important because of a problem known as infiltration. This problem occurs when the lumen slips out of the vein and deposits solution into the tissues nearby. If this happens, the patient might experience severe pain and the location might become swollen and cold to the touch.
This further highlights the importance of proper placing of the drip. Aside from proper placing, it is a good precautionary action to tape the drip into place, as well as making sure that the needle is as far into the vein as possible. Another problem that might occur is called Phlebitis. Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein. Though not serious, the irritation caused due to this problem might annoy the patient and drive him/her away from IV drips in the future. Some of the other problems include infections, air embolism and fluid overload.
Infections can be prevented by using IV drips in the correct manner. Air embolism occurs when air is introduced into the circulatory system, causing the patient to experience chest, shoulder and back pain. The patient might also start sweating as well as losing consciousness. Fluid overload occurs when too much fluid is injected into the vein.
Classifications and the proper placing of IV fluids
The two types of solutions used for intravenous therapy are colloid or crystalloid. Colloid solutions have protein or starch molecules and their appearance is generally cloudy and thick in consistency. On the other hand, crystalloid solutions are clear fluids and are as viscous as water. Further classifications of crystalloid solutions include isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic. Isotonic solutions increase circulating volume at a cellular level, whereas hypotonic solutions ensure a low-level serum osmolality, causing fluids to shift into cells and interstitial space. Hypertonic solutions increase serum osmolality levels and pull fluid out of the cells and into intravascular space.
Several different locations are used for the placing of drips. The most popular as well as widely used is peripheral access, placed into the arm. Another type used is known as the multi-lumen central catheter, which is placed into the superior vena cava found in the right atrium. Some, such as tunneled central venous catheters, are surgically implanted in the subclavian vein.
Caring for those undergoing Intravenous therapy
Since many opt for intravenous therapy, it is important to take necessary precautions and care when taking an intravenous drip. The doctor should constantly monitor the patient, document the appropriate findings and make sure that the tubing and bottles used are fresh and clean.
Important care for intravenous drip patients is also important because of a problem known as infiltration. This problem occurs when the lumen slips out of the vein and deposits solution into the tissues nearby. If this happens, the patient might experience severe pain and the location might become swollen and cold to the touch.
This further highlights the importance of proper placing of the drip. Aside from proper placing, it is a good precautionary action to tape the drip into place, as well as making sure that the needle is as far into the vein as possible. Another problem that might occur is called Phlebitis. Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein. Though not serious, the irritation caused due to this problem might annoy the patient and drive him/her away from IV drips in the future. Some of the other problems include infections, air embolism and fluid overload.
Infections can be prevented by using IV drips in the correct manner. Air embolism occurs when air is introduced into the circulatory system, causing the patient to experience chest, shoulder and back pain. The patient might also start sweating as well as losing consciousness. Fluid overload occurs when too much fluid is injected into the vein.
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