NURSING 2L03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Intravenous Therapy, Phlebitis, Chlorhexidine
Document Summary
Iv solutions fall into several categories: isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic. Isotonic: have the same osmolality as body fluids & are used to replace extracellular volume (due to prolonged vomiting) Hypotonic: are those that have an osmolality less than that of the body & are used most often to hydrate the cells. Hypertonic: those that have an effective osmolality greater than body fluids & are used most often to increase extracellular fluid volume (e. g. , replace electrolytes, treat shock) Isotonic solutions could cause increased fluid overload in patients with renal or cardiac disease. Hypotonic solutions could exacerbate a hypotensive state in a patient with low blood pressure - hypertonic solutions are irritating to the vein and have the potential to cause increased risk of heart failure and pulmonary edema. Manipulation of infusion equipment all contribute to an increased risk of infection. Hand hygiene before or after touching the patient, before donning & after removing gloves.