Nursing 251 Intravenous Therapy Exam 2 (2022)/
1. IV infiltration is: Localized inadvertent administration of a nonvesicant IV solu- tion into
surrounding tissues.
2. ~IV catheter is improperly placed or secured
~IV catheter becomes dislodged
~IV is placed in a vein that is thin or fragile.
~Infusion pump set at a pressure setting greater than 10 psi: Causes IV
infiltration
3. A solution that does not cause blisters: is a nonvesicant IV solution
4. Swelling, discomfort, burning, tightness, cool skin, and blanching (whitish color that
appears
when pressure is applied), IV will not run or runs at a slower rate are: Signs and symptoms
of IV infiltration
5. Nerve and muscle damage may occur and pt may loose function in the affected extremity:
If IV INFILTRATION is severe
6. IV INFILTRATION: Apply slight pressure over the vein about 3 inches below the catheter tip.
If IV continues to
flow, it is probably infiltrated.
7. Checking for positive blood return is not a reliable indicator of whether the
IV is: infiltrated
8. Check for edema: this is not always are reliable indicator of whether the IV is infiltrated as
edema may be due to immobilization, etc.
9. What do I do if an IV is infiltrated?: • Stop the infusion
• *Remove the catheter*
• Determine the severity - INS (Nursing Infusion Society) Scale
• A rating of grade 2 or more must be reported as an unusual occurrence and an incident report
must be completed
• Start a new IV in the other arm
• Warm or cold compresses per facility protocol or physician's order
• Elevate - if patient desires (elevation does not affect fluid absorption)
10. No symptoms: 0
11. Skin blanched Edema