1/17/2024 0 Comments Macro vs micro drip setTo help monitor the amount of fluids a patient is receiving, put a piece of tape beside the numbers on the side of the bag and note the amount of fluids left. For instance, when a cat lies down and tucks its legs underneath itself, the fluids can stop flowing but when the cat is moving, it may receive a large fluid amount in a short period. Note that the patient's position can greatly impact the amount of fluids received. When providing fluids to a patient via a drip set, monitor the amount of fluid in the bag to ensure the patient is receiving the prescribed amount. Be sure to keep the connection between the IV catheter and the IV line sterile. When disconnecting a patient from fluids, always cap off the IV catheter and place a fresh capped needle on the end of the fluid line. If left untreated, the vein may completely thrombose, causing a severe clotting in the vessel that will render the vein unusable and increase the risk of infection at the catheter site.īefore administering a solution through a fluid line port or directly into the catheter, swab the port with alcohol. If catheter care is not provided, the vein may develop thrombophlebitis in which the vein becomes inflamed (phlebitis) and a thrombus (clot) is formed on the vessel walls. If there is swelling, remove the catheter and place a new one in a different location. Check the patient's leg for any swelling above or below the catheter. It is important to remove the IV catheter's wrap so the insertion site can be visualized to ensure there is no redness, swelling, or discharge from around the insertion site. If an IV catheter is placed but fluids are not started, flush the catheter with heparinized saline solution every four hours to prevent clotting. The wider the catheter's diameter, the less resistance to the fluid flow, allowing for a fluid bolus to be administered more quickly.ĭaily IV catheter care is extremely important. The largest-diameter (smallest-gauge) catheter possible should be used when placing an IV catheter. a 22-ga catheter has a smaller internal diameter than an 18-ga catheter). The larger the gauge number, the smaller the catheter's diameter ( i.e. Packaging for these catheters lists a gauge number that correlates to the inside diameter of the IV catheter. In most patients, a peripheral catheter is indicated. Practitioners use several types and sizes of IV catheters. For details on how to place a cephalic catheter, see " Cephalic catheter placement." IV catheters are most commonly placed in one of three veins: cephalic, saphenous, and jugular-the cephalic vein being the most common in small animals. The technician can then start administering the fluids, usually through an intravenous (IV) catheter. The veterinarian will determine which fluids to deliver and at what rate in ml/kg/day, ml/kg/hr, or ml/hr. For information on other aspects of fluid therapy, see " Fluid therapy: Calculating the rate and choosing the correct solution." This article focuses on how to administer the fluids. It is crucial that technicians understand why fluids are essential, the different types of fluids available, and how to provide them. Being able to administer fluids to veterinary patients is an important part of providing optimal care.
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