Question 1

How long can a peripheral IV catheter remain in place with proper care?

Accepted Answer

According to CDC guidelines, peripheral IV catheters may be kept in place for up to 96 hours in adults with proper care and maintenance. In pediatric patients, catheters may remain longer until the line is no longer patent or demonstrates complications. Routine rotation every 96 hours is not indicated in children due to increased anxiety from needle sticks.

Question 2

What signs indicate a peripheral IV site has complications and needs discontinuation?

Accepted Answer

Signs of IV complications include redness, swelling, bruising, increased temperature, bogginess, tenderness, or pain at the insertion site. Leaking or swelling during flushing, difficulty injecting fluid, or patient-reported pain also indicate the site is no longer appropriate. When complications are detected, discontinuing intravenous fluids and a peripheral intravenous line is necessary and the primary care provider must be notified.

Question 3

What is the proper technique for cleansing a needleless injection site before flushing?

Accepted Answer

Open an alcohol wipe and hold the needleless injection site with your non-dominant hand. Wrap the alcohol wipe around the site and scrub with friction and intent for 15 seconds, as if juicing an orange. Continue holding the site without contaminating it while it dries completely before attaching the saline syringe.

Question 4

How do you assess a peripheral IV catheter dressing for proper condition?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the transparent catheter dressing to ensure it is clean, dry, and securely adhered to the skin around the insertion site. If the dressing is loose, wet, or soiled, change it using aseptic technique. A properly maintained dressing protects the insertion site and helps prevent infection and contamination.

Question 5

What complications can regular IV assessment and flushing help prevent?

Accepted Answer

Regular assessment and flushing prevent infiltration, phlebitis, infection, extravasation, and catheter dislodgement. IV maintenance and flushing preserves line patency and reduces the risk of occlusion, thrombosis, and thrombophlebitis. Routine care ensures IV therapy can continue safely without interruption or patient harm.

Question 6

What should be documented after assessing and flushing a peripheral IV line?

Accepted Answer

Document the date, time, location, and findings of the PIV assessment in the patient's electronic health record. Record the absence of redness, swelling, irritation, and confirm the dressing is clean, dry, and intact. If complications are present, document them specifically and notify the primary care provider immediately.

Question 7

How do you prepare a normal saline flush syringe before attaching it to the IV line?

Accepted Answer

Open the saline flush syringe package and remove the cap, placing it upright on the counter. Turn the plunger to break the seal, then push gently while holding the syringe upright to expel air. Screw the cap back on carefully to maintain sterility, then place the syringe on the counter until ready to attach to the needleless port.

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