BLOCK COURSE/WEEK 1

• What are some complications of IV cannulation?

  • local infection
  • thrombophlebitis
  • occlusion
  • arterial puncture
  • haemotoma
  • compartment syndrome
  • allergic reaction
  • air embolism
  • needle stick injuries
  • circulatory overload
  • extravasation
• What is phlebitis?

  • inflammation of the lining above the infusion site

  signs + symptoms:

  • redness + swelling
  • red streaks
  • warmth
  • vein feels like a cord
• What is a thrombus?

  • blood clot obstruction

  signs + symptoms:

  • slowing infusion rate
  • swelling + discomfort
  • threadlike formation
• What is a haematoma?

  • bruise or blood pooling around IV site

  signs + symptoms:

  • discolouration of skin
  • swelling + discomfort
• What is infiltration?

  • IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue

  Causes:

  • poorly inserted catheter
  • IV outside vein
  • damaged vein

  Signs + symptoms:

  • swelling
  • infusion stops
  • blanched + cool skin
• What is extravasation?

  • vesicant solution leaks into surrounding tissue

  Causes:

  • ABs
  • dextrose 10%

  Signs + symptoms:

  • oedema
  • pain
  • burning
• What is compartment syndrome?

  Signs + symptoms: 5 P

  • pain
  • pulselessness
  • pallor
  • paralysis
  • paresthesia
• What is a PE?

  Signs + symptoms:

  • sudden onset chest pain
  • skin mottling
  • SOB
• What is circulatory overload?

  Causes:

  • kidney failure
  • heart failure
  • rapid fluid infusion

  Signs + symptoms:

  • anxiety
  • SOB/crackles/rales
  • HTN
  • oedema + JVD
• What is a catheter embolus?

  Signs + symptoms:

  • pain

  NEVER RETRACT A CATHETER!