IV Insertion Safety Issues Quiz

1. In order to prevent needle sticks and exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens, it is of utmost importance that healthcare professionals dispose of all used IV catheters and cannulas in the proper containers.

True

False

Healthcare professionals need to dispose of used IV catheters and cannulas in the proper containers to prevent needle sticks and exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens. This is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both the healthcare professionals and the patients they are treating. Proper disposal ensures that these potentially hazardous materials are contained and disposed of in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental exposure or injury.

Explanation

Healthcare professionals need to dispose of used IV catheters and cannulas in the proper containers to prevent needle sticks and exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens. This is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both the healthcare professionals and the patients they are treating. Proper disposal ensures that these potentially hazardous materials are contained and disposed of in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental exposure or injury.

2. What is the second step in preparing the IV site?

Put on gloves

Put on gown

Put on eye protection

Put on mask

The second step in preparing the IV site is to put on gloves. This is important to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. Wearing gloves helps to protect both the healthcare provider and the patient from potential contamination. By putting on gloves, the healthcare provider can minimize the risk of introducing harmful bacteria or other pathogens into the IV site, ensuring a safe and sterile procedure.

Explanation

The second step in preparing the IV site is to put on gloves. This is important to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. Wearing gloves helps to protect both the healthcare provider and the patient from potential contamination. By putting on gloves, the healthcare provider can minimize the risk of introducing harmful bacteria or other pathogens into the IV site, ensuring a safe and sterile procedure.

3. How can you verify that you have entered the vein with the IV catheter?

You will be able to see the catheter through the skin

You learn through experience where the vein should be located

You observe a flashback of blood

You palpate with your non-dominant hand for the "pop" of the vein when the needle enters it

When you observe a flashback of blood, it indicates that the IV catheter has entered the vein successfully. This means that the needle has punctured the vein, allowing blood to flow into the catheter, which can be seen as a flashback of blood. This is a reliable way to verify that the IV catheter is in the vein and not in surrounding tissue or muscle.

Explanation

When you observe a flashback of blood, it indicates that the IV catheter has entered the vein successfully. This means that the needle has punctured the vein, allowing blood to flow into the catheter, which can be seen as a flashback of blood. This is a reliable way to verify that the IV catheter is in the vein and not in surrounding tissue or muscle.

4. It is not necessary to wear gloves when discontinuing an IV since there is no risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.

True

False

Wearing gloves when discontinuing an IV is necessary because there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. Gloves provide a barrier between the healthcare worker and any potential infectious materials, reducing the risk of transmission of pathogens. Therefore, the statement is false as gloves should be worn to ensure safety during the procedure.

Explanation

Wearing gloves when discontinuing an IV is necessary because there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. Gloves provide a barrier between the healthcare worker and any potential infectious materials, reducing the risk of transmission of pathogens. Therefore, the statement is false as gloves should be worn to ensure safety during the procedure.

5. What would be an indication that your IV insertion attempt was not successful?

The insertion site begins to bruise

The insertion site does not flush easily

The site swells when fluids are flushed through

All of the above

If the insertion site begins to bruise, it indicates that the IV insertion attempt was not successful as it suggests that there was some damage to the blood vessels during the process. If the insertion site does not flush easily, it indicates that the catheter may not be properly placed within the vein, preventing the easy flow of fluids. Additionally, if the site swells when fluids are flushed through, it suggests that there may be a blockage or improper placement of the catheter, leading to swelling and potential complications. Therefore, all of the above signs indicate an unsuccessful IV insertion attempt.

Explanation

If the insertion site begins to bruise, it indicates that the IV insertion attempt was not successful as it suggests that there was some damage to the blood vessels during the process. If the insertion site does not flush easily, it indicates that the catheter may not be properly placed within the vein, preventing the easy flow of fluids. Additionally, if the site swells when fluids are flushed through, it suggests that there may be a blockage or improper placement of the catheter, leading to swelling and potential complications. Therefore, all of the above signs indicate an unsuccessful IV insertion attempt.

6. Which of the following veins should be avoided when initiating an IV?

Lower extremities of a diabetic patient

Previously used veins and sclerotic veins

Veins in the affected arm of a woman with a mastectomy

Veins in the arm of a dialysis AV fistula

All of the above

All of the above options should be avoided when initiating an IV. The lower extremities of a diabetic patient should be avoided due to the increased risk of infection and poor circulation. Previously used veins and sclerotic veins should be avoided as they may be more difficult to access and can increase the risk of complications. Veins in the affected arm of a woman with a mastectomy should be avoided to prevent lymphedema and potential damage to the remaining lymphatic system. Veins in the arm of a dialysis AV fistula should be avoided to preserve the access site for dialysis.

Explanation

All of the above options should be avoided when initiating an IV. The lower extremities of a diabetic patient should be avoided due to the increased risk of infection and poor circulation. Previously used veins and sclerotic veins should be avoided as they may be more difficult to access and can increase the risk of complications. Veins in the affected arm of a woman with a mastectomy should be avoided to prevent lymphedema and potential damage to the remaining lymphatic system. Veins in the arm of a dialysis AV fistula should be avoided to preserve the access site for dialysis.

7. When preparing to insert the needle into the skin, the bevel should be:

Down

Up

It doesn't matter

The bevel should be up when preparing to insert the needle into the skin because this allows for a smoother entry and reduces the risk of tissue damage. When the bevel is up, the sharp tip of the needle is the first to make contact with the skin, minimizing discomfort for the patient. Additionally, inserting the needle with the bevel up helps to ensure proper alignment and control during the procedure.

Explanation

The bevel should be up when preparing to insert the needle into the skin because this allows for a smoother entry and reduces the risk of tissue damage. When the bevel is up, the sharp tip of the needle is the first to make contact with the skin, minimizing discomfort for the patient. Additionally, inserting the needle with the bevel up helps to ensure proper alignment and control during the procedure.

8. What do you do before leaving the patient's room after initiating IV access?

Wash your hands

Before leaving the patient's room after initiating IV access, it is important to wash your hands. This is a crucial step in infection control and helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help remove any potential contaminants and reduce the risk of infection for both the patient and healthcare provider. It is emphasized multiple times in the answer options to highlight the importance of this step in maintaining proper hygiene.

Explanation

Before leaving the patient's room after initiating IV access, it is important to wash your hands. This is a crucial step in infection control and helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help remove any potential contaminants and reduce the risk of infection for both the patient and healthcare provider. It is emphasized multiple times in the answer options to highlight the importance of this step in maintaining proper hygiene.

Submit

9. After 2 unsuccessful attempts at insertion of an IV, the best thing for a healthcare professional to do would be:

Call the doctor to tell him you can't get the IV

Keep trying until you get the IV

Consult another professional to initiate therapy

Hydrate the patient with oral fluids and try again in a few hours

After two unsuccessful attempts at inserting an IV, it is best for a healthcare professional to consult another professional to initiate therapy. This is because multiple failed attempts may indicate that the healthcare professional is unable to successfully insert the IV, and it may be beneficial to seek assistance from someone with more experience or expertise in this area. It is important to ensure that the patient receives the necessary therapy in a timely and efficient manner, and involving another professional can help achieve this goal.

Explanation

After two unsuccessful attempts at inserting an IV, it is best for a healthcare professional to consult another professional to initiate therapy. This is because multiple failed attempts may indicate that the healthcare professional is unable to successfully insert the IV, and it may be beneficial to seek assistance from someone with more experience or expertise in this area. It is important to ensure that the patient receives the necessary therapy in a timely and efficient manner, and involving another professional can help achieve this goal.

10. What is the best choice of cannula size?

The largest one you feel you can successfully insert in the patient.

The smallest one you can find.

The smallest gauge to accommodate therapy.

The largest gauge your facility has.

The best choice of cannula size is the smallest gauge that can accommodate therapy. This ensures that the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the insertion process, while still allowing for the necessary therapy to be administered effectively. Choosing the smallest gauge also reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding or infection.

Explanation

The best choice of cannula size is the smallest gauge that can accommodate therapy. This ensures that the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the insertion process, while still allowing for the necessary therapy to be administered effectively. Choosing the smallest gauge also reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding or infection.

11. While in the process of inserting an IV, which of the following is NOT acceptable:

Enter the skin at a 30-40 degree angle

A device may be reused as long as it is in the same site as the original attempt

Enter the skin directly over the vein

Enter the skin slightly adjacent to the vein and direct the needle into the side of the vein wall

Reusing a device for IV insertion is not acceptable as it can lead to contamination and increase the risk of infection. It is important to use a new, sterile device for each IV insertion to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection.

Explanation

Reusing a device for IV insertion is not acceptable as it can lead to contamination and increase the risk of infection. It is important to use a new, sterile device for each IV insertion to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection.

12. After applying the tourniquet, if the vein feels hard or rope-like, you should:

Use it, it's the best choice for an IV

Stretch it to prevent rolling

Select another site

Have the patient relax his/her fist

If the vein feels hard or rope-like after applying the tourniquet, it indicates that the vein may not be suitable for an IV insertion. Selecting another site would be the most appropriate action in this situation to ensure a successful and safe IV placement.

Explanation

If the vein feels hard or rope-like after applying the tourniquet, it indicates that the vein may not be suitable for an IV insertion. Selecting another site would be the most appropriate action in this situation to ensure a successful and safe IV placement.

13. What is the first step in preparing the IV site?

Wash your hands

The correct answer is to wash your hands. This is the first step in preparing the IV site because it is essential to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. By washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, you can remove any potential contaminants and ensure a clean environment for the IV insertion.

Explanation

The correct answer is to wash your hands. This is the first step in preparing the IV site because it is essential to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. By washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, you can remove any potential contaminants and ensure a clean environment for the IV insertion.

Submit

14. When discontinuing an IV, what type of dressing should you use:

Tegaderm only

Gauze pad with piece of tape

No dressing is needed

Band-aid or band-aid with gauze or Tegaderm with gauze (if the patient is allergic to adhesive/band-aids)

When discontinuing an IV, it is important to use a band-aid or band-aid with gauze or tegaderm with gauze (if the patient is allergic to adhesive/band-aids) as a dressing. This is necessary to protect the site from contamination and to promote healing. Using a dressing helps to prevent infection and keeps the site clean and secure. It also provides a barrier against external elements and reduces the risk of bleeding or further injury to the site.

Explanation

When discontinuing an IV, it is important to use a band-aid or band-aid with gauze or tegaderm with gauze (if the patient is allergic to adhesive/band-aids) as a dressing. This is necessary to protect the site from contamination and to promote healing. Using a dressing helps to prevent infection and keeps the site clean and secure. It also provides a barrier against external elements and reduces the risk of bleeding or further injury to the site.

15. What step would you take if you have attempted IV access and are unsure of proper placement?

Remove the catheter and try again.

Attempt to flush the catheter.

Pull the catheter back a few millimeters and check for blood return

Go ahead and begin IV infusion.

If you have attempted IV access and are unsure of proper placement, attempting to flush the catheter would be the appropriate step. Flushing the catheter with a small amount of saline solution can help confirm proper placement by ensuring that the fluid flows freely and without resistance. If the catheter is properly placed, the saline solution will flow easily. However, if there is resistance or no flow, it may indicate that the catheter is not in the correct position and further assessment or repositioning may be necessary.

Explanation

If you have attempted IV access and are unsure of proper placement, attempting to flush the catheter would be the appropriate step. Flushing the catheter with a small amount of saline solution can help confirm proper placement by ensuring that the fluid flows freely and without resistance. If the catheter is properly placed, the saline solution will flow easily. However, if there is resistance or no flow, it may indicate that the catheter is not in the correct position and further assessment or repositioning may be necessary.

16. What is the most important step when discontinuing IV therapy?

Ensure the patient isn't bruised.

Inspect the extremity for any signs of edema and apply a warm compress if swelling is noted.

Inspect the condition of the catheter tip and notify the physician immediately if any damage is noted.

Document the date, time and initials of the professional who removed the IV on the patient's band-aid.

The most important step when discontinuing IV therapy is to inspect the condition of the catheter tip and notify the physician immediately if any damage is noted. This is crucial because a damaged catheter can lead to complications such as infection or bleeding. By inspecting the catheter tip, healthcare professionals can ensure that it is intact and functioning properly before removing it. If any damage is observed, it is important to notify the physician promptly so that appropriate actions can be taken to address the issue and prevent any potential harm to the patient.

Explanation

The most important step when discontinuing IV therapy is to inspect the condition of the catheter tip and notify the physician immediately if any damage is noted. This is crucial because a damaged catheter can lead to complications such as infection or bleeding. By inspecting the catheter tip, healthcare professionals can ensure that it is intact and functioning properly before removing it. If any damage is observed, it is important to notify the physician promptly so that appropriate actions can be taken to address the issue and prevent any potential harm to the patient.