Care Plan for Intravenous (IV) Access Line

Category / Primary Body System

• Circulatory System

Problem

• Patient is at risk for complications due to the presence of an intravenous (IV) access line.

Goal

• Patient will not have IV-related complications (i.e., infiltration or infection) for 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. IV Line Management

   • Identify the type of IV access line (e.g., peripheral IV, central venous catheter)
   • Flush IV line per protocol to maintain patency
   • Monitor IV site for signs and symptoms of infiltration or infection every shift and document findings
   • Change IV dressing every 7 days or as needed if soiled or wet
   • Change needless device per protocol

2. Medication and Fluid Administration

   • Administer antibiotics or fluids as ordered

3. Laboratory Monitoring

   • Conduct labs as ordered

4. Patient Education and Support

   • Educate the patient and/or family on signs and symptoms of IV complications
   • Provide support and information on IV care and maintenance

Rationale

1. IV Line Management

   • Identifying the type of IV access ensures appropriate care and monitoring.
   • Regular flushing prevents occlusions and maintains IV patency.
   • Monitoring the IV site allows early detection of complications, enabling prompt intervention.
   • Changing the IV dressing and needless device as per protocol reduces infection risk.

2. Medication and Fluid Administration

   • Proper administration of medications and fluids ensures effective treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

3. Laboratory Monitoring

   • Regular lab tests help monitor the patient’s response to treatment and detect any potential issues early.

4. Patient Education and Support

   • Educating the patient and family empowers them to participate in care, recognize early signs of complications, and seek timely intervention.

Actions

1. IV Line Management

   • Identify and document the type of IV access line the patient has.
   • Flush the IV line according to facility protocol (e.g., every 8 hours or after medication administration).
   • Inspect the IV site every shift for signs of infiltration (e.g., swelling, pain, coolness) and infection (e.g., redness, warmth, discharge).
   • Change the IV dressing every 7 days or sooner if it becomes soiled, wet, or loose.
   • Replace the needless device according to protocol, typically every 72 hours or as indicated.

2. Medication and Fluid Administration

   • Administer antibiotics or fluids as ordered, following the correct protocols for rate and duration.
   • Monitor the patient for adverse reactions during and after administration.

3. Laboratory Monitoring

   • Draw and send blood samples for lab tests as ordered.
   • Review lab results promptly and notify the physician of any abnormal findings.

4. Patient Education and Support

   • Educate the patient and family on how to care for the IV site and recognize signs of complications.
   • Provide written and verbal instructions on what to do if complications arise.
   • Offer reassurance and support, answering any questions the patient or family may have.