Administration of fluid therapy

Preparation and delivery of prescribed intravenous fluids.

Objective:

To administer intravenous fluids in order to achieve a therapeutic effect on the LIC (intracellular fluid) and LEC (extracellular fluid) compartments.

Equipment:

– Trough. – Perfusion pump (optional) – Serum holder.

Material:

– Needles. – Syringes. – Prescribed fluid therapy. – Extension bar with 3-step key. – Sharps container. – Perfusion pump material. – Dripper system. – Compressor – Immobilization splint (infants and young children). – Band-aid. – Sterile fixative dressing. – Sterile gloves. – Flow regulator. – Medication identification labels. – Antiseptic solution. – Micro droppers. – Nursing records.

Procedure:

– Perform hand washing. – Follow general rules in the administration of medication.

Preparation of material:

(a) Perform aseptic mixing of medication with IV solution. b) Check color and clarity of the mixture. c) Label the mixture: patient name, medication, start and end time. d) Open infusion set under sterile conditions. e) Remove the protective cover of the infusion set and insert the proximal end into the infusion bottle with the system closed. f) Compress the drip chamber so that it is filled with solution between 1/3 and half of its capacity. g) Open the system (clamp) slowly to purge all air from the system. h) Connect to the distal end of the system the flow regulator and extension set with 3-step wrench. – Preserve the patient’s privacy. – Inform the patient of the procedure. – Ask for the patient’s cooperation. – Cannulate the venous line, if there is not one. – Connect the distal end of the catheter equipment in an aseptic way. – Open the system and assess catheter patency.

– Adjust the drip rate according to the frequency of administration. – Secure the drip system with adhesive tape to avoid pulling. – Leave the patient in a comfortable position. – Collect the material and dispose it in the container according to waste segregation criteria. – Remove gloves. – Wash hands. – Record in nursing documentation: the procedure, date and start time, volume administered, incidences and patient response.

Observations:

– To perfuse fluids with maximum precision, volumetric perfusion pumps should be used.