IV Therapy: Complications

• Infiltration 


  Leaking of fluid into surrounding tissues
• Infiltration

  Signs and symptoms:

  • cool to touch
  • edema
  • numbness
  • pale
• Infiltration

  Management:

  • stop
  • elevate arm (to promote venous return)
  • warm or cold compress
  • do not rub
• Phlebitis 


  Inflammation of the vein
• Phlebitis

  Signs and symptoms:

  • Warm to touch
  • Painful
  • Color: Red
  • Swollen? NO
• Phlebitis

  Management:

  • Stop
  • Restart in opposite extremity
  • Warm compress
• Extravasation 


  Due to vesicant drugs leaked to tissue
• Extravasation

  Management:

  • Stop
  • Dilute
  • Anticipate use of CVL
• Air Embolism 


  Entry of air into the vein through the IV tubing
• Air Embolism

  Signs and symptoms:

  • BP: Hypo
  • Tachycardia
  • Cyanosis
  • Dyspnea and cough
  • Chest pain
• Air embolism

  Management:

  • Stop
  • Clamp tubing
  • Flush
  • Position: Left side with HOB lowered
  • Notify HCP
  • Prevention: Priming
• Circulatory Overload 


  Administration of fluids too rapidly or dt fast regulation
• Circulatory Overload

  Signs and symptoms:

  • BP: Hyper
  • DJV
  • Wet cough
  • Crackles
• Circulatory Overload

  Management:

  • Assess patient
  • Decrease flow rate
  • Elevate the HOB
  • Notify HCP