Blood products
Blood products Blood component Indications Packed RBCs Same RBC mass as whole blood but with 80% of the plasma removedVolume: 250 ml Inadequate circulating red cell mass Symptomatic deficiency of…
Tips for high-risk drips
Tips for high-risk drips Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), heparin, and insulin infusions can be especially dangerous if administered incorrectly. If possible, have another nurse independently check the practitioner’s order, your calculations,…
Troubleshooting I.V. pump alarms
Troubleshooting I.V. pump alarms A number of electronic devices are available that assist the nurse in controlling the rate and volume of solution infusion. The most common device is an…
Calculating drip rates
Calculating drip rates When calculating the flow rate of I.V. solutions, remember that the number of drops required to deliver 1 ml varies with the type of administration set. To…
Local complications of peripheral I.V. lines
Local complications of peripheral I.V. lines Type Finding Intervention Phlebitis Tenderness at site Redness at tip of catheter and along vein Remove device. Apply warm soaks. Notify practitioner. Infiltration (nonvesicant…
Starting an I.V. infusion
Starting an I.V. infusion Getting ready Use the largest vein and the smallest gauge catheter. Apply a tourniquet 4″ to 6″ (10 to 15.5 cm) above the puncture site. Leave…
Dosage calculation formulas and common conversions
Dosage calculation formulas and common conversions Dosage calculation formulas
Uterine contraction palpation
Uterine contraction palpation Description Uterine contraction palpation provides information about the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions and the relaxation time between them. The character of contractions varies with the…
Tocolytic therapy
Tocolytic therapy Description Tocolytic therapy involves the use of medications to suppress uterine activity. Several drugs may be used including magnesium sulfate, terbutaline, nifedipine, or indomethacin. Alert Tocolytic therapy is…
