FRAME 55
There are several other considerations concerning
intravenous therapy. First, and extremely
important, is the topic of infection. If
microorganisms enter the patient through a
contaminated intravenous solution, administration
set, or administration site, potential problems could
result. Remember, the patient who is receiving
intravenous solution frequently is the patient least
able to ward off an infection.
FRAME 56
Another consideration of intravenous therapy is the
total volume of fluid to be administered to the
patient over a given period of time. As a general
rule, an adult patient should be administered a
maximum of four liters (4,000 milliliters) of
intravenous fluid per 24 hours. Of course, the
volume of fluid to be administered would depend
upon such factors as body weight, age, etc.
Pediatric patients would be administered
proportionally lower volumes of fluid. At first
though, only the major fluids being administered to
the patient would seem to apply. However, every
milliliter of solution (to include "piggy-back",
hyperalimentation, and "to-keep-open" solutions)
must be taken into account when calculating the
volume of fluid that is being administered to the
patient.
FRAME 57
The renal condition of the patient also influences
the volume of intravenous solution to be
administered. In circumstances where the patient
is suffering from insufficient kidney function, the
volume of administered fluid would have to be
decreased to preclude fluid overload.
MD0807
5-19