Intravenous

Monitoring Program

Provider Guide

October, 1993
Reprint March, 2005

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Emergency Health Services Branch
 Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Table of Contents

Section 1
Purpose............................................................................................................................................ 1
Objectives ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Background Information about Intravenous Fluid Therapy ........................................................... 2
Relevant Anatomy .......................................................................................................................... 3
Equipment And Supplies ................................................................................................................ 6
Flow Rate ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Formulas for Calculating I.V. Flow Rates .................................................................................... 10
Complications of Intravenous Therapy......................................................................................... 11
BLS IV Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 13
IV Monitoring Program Limitations............................................................................................. 15
Summary of EMA IV Related Responsibilities............................................................................ 16
Abbreviations and Definitions ...................................................................................................... 17
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 18
Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................... 18
Section 2
Pre-test, Pre-test answers, and Sample IV flow rate calculations................................................. 19
I.V. Monitoring Program – Pre-Test – October 1993................................................................... 20
Answer Key – I.V. Monitoring Program – Pre-Test – October 1993........................................... 23
Short Answer Format.................................................................................................................... 23
Sample Flow Rate Calculations .................................................................................................... 27
Sample Flow Rate Calculations – Answers .................................................................................. 28
IV Monitoring Program – Student Performance Checklist........................................................... 29
Section 3
IV Monitoring – Multiple Choice Post Test ................................................................................. 31
Answer Key –IV Theory Test....................................................................................................... 34
IV Monitoring – Multiple Choice Post Test ................................................................................. 35
Answer Sheet ................................................................................................................................ 35

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 Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Basic Intravenous Monitoring Program

Purpose
To provide the Emergency Medical Attendant with the knowledge and skills required for the care of a
stable adult patient (12 years of age or older for purposes of this program) receiving intravenous fluid
to keep a vein open or for fluid replacement, during land ambulance transport. This includes stable
patients who are receiving Potassium Chloride, Thiamine and/or multivitamins and those patients who
have established heparin or saline locks.
The program will not train EMAs in the care of patients whose intravenous therapy includes
medications or blood products. The program will not train EMAs in the care of paediatric or neonatal
patients receiving intravenous therapy of any kind (see Program Limitations section of this guide).

Objectives
Upon completion of this program the Emergency Medical Attendant will be able to:
a) Define the difference between arteries and veins.
b) List the common intravenous sites used and explain the advantages/disadvantages of each.
c) List the purposes of intravenous therapy.
d) List the local, systemic and mechanical complications and their causes.
e) Identify and demonstrate the use of the different types of intravenous equipment, solutions,
administration sets and heparin or saline locks.
f) Describe the importance of aseptic technique when using I.V. equipment.
g) Explain and demonstrate how to calculate the rate of flow ordered and to regulate the flow using the
various administration sets.
h) Describe the signs of infiltration and/or irritation at an I.V. insertion site.
i) Describe the action(s) to be followed for infiltration at an I.V. insertion site and removal of I.V. line
if indicated.
j) Demonstrate the technique for changing the solution container.
k) Describe what should be checked when problems in adjusting the flow rate are encountered.
l) Demonstrate the technique for affixing the needle/cannula using adhesive tape.
m) Describe the responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Attendant before, during and after transport.

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Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Background Information about Intravenous Fluid Therapy

Intravenous fluids are administered for the purpose of providing nutrition, restoring lost fluids,
electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, maintaining fluid balance during surgical and comatose conditions,
and for administering medications directly into the circulatory system.
The type and volume of the intravenous solution selected for administration is based on the fluid and
electrolyte needs of the individual patient. Monitoring of a patient's response to the fluids being
received is essential. Alterations to the volume administered and the composition of the I.V. solution
are made following careful assessment of the patient's condition. The principal focus of I.V.
administration is on maintenance and replacement.

Maintenance:
Maintenance therapy involves the provision of fluids, electrolytes, nutrients, and vitamins according to
the needs of the individual patient. A goal of I.V. administration is to establish/maintain a state of fluid
equilibrium in a patient.

Replacement:
Replacement therapy involves providing the components lost due to surgery, trauma, burns, shock,
vomiting, diarrhea, tubular drainage, wound and burn drainage and diuresis.

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Relevant Anatomy
The circulatory system has three main components, arteries, capillaries and veins.
1. Arteries
Arteries are vessels with thick muscular walls that carry blood from the heart:
Arteries carry oxygen poor blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs and oxygen rich
blood from the left ventricle of the heart to all parts of the body.
Arteries have THREE LAYERS that make up the arterial wall.
o INNER (tunica intima) is thin and smooth.
o MIDDLE (tunica media) is thick and muscular.
o OUTER (tunica adventitia) white fibrous.

2. Capillaries
Capillaries are thin walled bundles of very small vessels that allow an exchange of gases (oxygen
and carbon dioxide) and nutrients between the circulatory system and organ tissues.

3. Veins
Systemic veins transport oxygen poor blood to the heart. Veins have walls consisting of THREE
LAYERS. They differ from arteries in that veins have a larger volume capacity (they can hold more
fluid) and there are many more veins than arteries.
Pressure within veins is much lower than in arteries. In addition to their thin walled construction,
veins are equipped with valves which prevent backward circulation.

4. Common Intravenous Sites

The most common sites for I.V. administration are located on the forearms or in the hollow of the
elbow (antecubital fossa).
The veins involved are:
o metacarpal veins
o cephalic vein
o basilic vein

Hospital staff select veins based on how visible the vein is, how stable the site will be e.g. does the
area remain relatively still naturally or with a splint, and considerations for further I.V. sites as the
care of the patient progresses.
The locations of common veins used in I.V. therapy are shown in the following diagram.
(see next page).

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Veins have a wall construction consisting of three layers:

Veins

1. TUNICA INTIMA (innermost layer)

- endothelial lining forms valves along
veins; this promotes unidirectional
blood flow toward the heart and
prevents backward flow of blood

2. TUNICA MEDIA (middle layer)

- less developed
- nerve endings, elastic tissue, located
here
- weaker muscle coat therefore
collapsible when B.P. falls

3. TUNICA ADVENTITIA
(outermost layer)
- thinner, less elastic

- superficial: don’t pulsate

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Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Equipment And Supplies

Needles and Cannulae

Most needles are made of stainless steel while cannulae are made of plastic. Plastic cannulae are coated
with a material that assists in reducing clot formation on the catheter. Plastic cannulae are produced
with a stainless steel trocar core which is used to provide for ease of insertion. The trocar is removed
from the lumen of the cannulae following insertion into the vein. Most plastic cannulae are made so
that x-rays will not pass through. This is essential for verification of placement and location in case the
catheter is lost in the patient. Plastics are best for long-term therapy, when veins are few in number and
to assure that a vein will remain open.
Stainless steel needles are coated with silicone which prevents corrosion, facilitates ease of insertion,
and retards thrombi formation. They are used for short-term and intermittent therapy. According to the
Centre for Disease Control, stainless steel needles are preferred to plastic cannulae. Studies show a
greater incidence of site infection with plastics, since there is a greater incidence of fungal overgrowth.
Trauma to the vein is less severe with stainless steel since the needle gauge is smaller and the material
is smoother, however there is more risk of vein puncture with movement of steel needles. The scalp
vein or butterfly needle is more often preferred to a straight needle because it is easier to insert.
The usual needle sizes are 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, gauge. Needle gauge refers to the lumen of the
needle; the higher the number, the smaller the diameter.

Heparin and Saline Locks

It is possible that EMAs will encounter patients who have Heparin and Saline locks instead of
continuous I.V.'s. These "locks" are used by hospital staff to maintain access to a vein where repeated
doses of an intravenous drug may be required. These patients may not need an intravenous line far the
continuous infusion of fluids. The locks consist of a plastic cannula that has been filled with heparin or
saline, and a short length of tubing (2-3 inches) that terminates in an airtight injection port. The heparin
or saline prevents clotting at the I.V. site. The lock provides several advantages:
a) The risk of fluid overload is eliminated because fluid is not continuously infused.
b) Chance of electrolyte imbalance is minimized.
c) Greater freedom of movement allows the performance of normal daily activities.
d) The patient is spared the discomfort of having a separate venipuncture each time a dose of the
medication is required.

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Intravenous Fluid
Once the prescribed intravenous fluid is selected by the sending institution's medical staff, the I.V.
tubing should be inspected to confirm there are no air bubbles and the container should be inspected
for cracks or tears, foreign matter, cloudiness, precipitation and any other sign of contamination.
Should any of this be apparent, the fluid must not be used. The fluid must not have reached its expiry
date. The expiry date is printed on the fluid container.
The most commonly used solutions are:
a) NORMAL SALINE (N/S) - 0.9% sodium chloride in water.
b) RINGER’S LACTATE (Lactated Ringers) - Sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium
and lactate.
c) D5W (5% Dextrose in water) - 5 grams of dextrose per 100 mls of
water.
Solutions are available in volumes of 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000ml bags and are sealed in an outer plastic
wrap to help prevent contamination.

Potassium chloride, Thiamine and multivitamins

Frequently, stable patients are transported after the sending institution has added potassium chloride
(KCl) to the IV solution. The KCl is usually intended to replace lost KCl due to vomiting, diarrhea or
urinary losses due to the use of diuretics.
Frequently, stable patients are transported after the sending institution has added thiamine or
multivitamins to the IV solution. These are intended to correct vitamin deficiencies.
Monitoring of the infusion site is required because in the event the IV becomes interstitial, the KCl or
vitamin(s) may corrode soft tissue in the area.

Intravenous Tubing
The intravenous tubing may be a macrodrip solution administration set that delivers 10 or 15 drops/ml,
or a microdrip set of the burette type that delivers 60 drops/ml.
Macrodrip sets are used for routine infusions. Microdrip sets are used in pediatric and neonatal care
and when relatively small amounts of fluids are to be administered over a long period of time. As noted
earlier, pediatric and neonatal IV care is beyond the scope of this course.
The infusion tubing drip chamber will achieve maximum flow rate when suspended approximately
three feet above the site of injection due to the force of gravity. The greater the height, the greater the
force of flow due to the weight of the fluid column.

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 Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Tape
One-half-inch adhesive, silk or paper type should be used to anchor the needle or cannulae to the skin.
The tape should be placed in such a manner as to prevent any movement of the device. Crisscrossing
the tape at the needle hub or wing taping are effective methods of securing the device. It is advisable to
avoid placing tape over the venipuncture site making it difficult to carry out I.V. site care.
Additional taping is necessary to secure the arm or hand board, to secure a loop of tubing and to secure
the site dressing. One-inch tape is recommended for this purpose. Use caution in taping in order to
prevent nerve damage to the limb, or circulatory impairment caused by excessive pressure.

Parts of the IV Set

Fluid

Screw Clamp
(For Flow Rate Adjustment)
Y Injection
Site

Slide Clamp
(For Temporary Flow
Interruption)

Piercing Pin

Protective
Flange
Needle & Catheter Needle Adapter
Drip Chamber

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Flow Rate

In order to ensure therapeutic effectiveness of intravenous fluids infusing into the patient's circulatory
system, maintenance of a constant, even flow is necessary. There are several factors that may alter the
flow rates:
1. Venous Pressure/Patient Positioning
o Infusion tubing drip chamber may not be 3 feet above injection site, thereby reducing the flow
rate.
2. Vein Spasms
o Irritating or chilled fluids may cause a reflex action which causes the vein to go into spasm at or
near the intravenous infusion site.
3. Development of Phlebitis and Thrombi
o This may be caused by the initial decrease in flow rate due to spasm or the presence of the needle
in the vein.
o As the clot forms, a substance called serotonin is released which causes smooth muscle in the
vein to contract more.
4. Viscosity and Specific Gravity of Fluid
o High concentrations of dextrose tend to flow at slower rates.
5. Amount of Fluid in Container
o The declining weight of remaining fluid in the I. V. bag causes the rate of flow to decrease
because it is not exerting as much pressure on the fluid in the I.V. tubing.
6. Height of Fluid Container
o The greater the height, the greater the force of flow.
7. Tubing Occlusion
o May occur through kinking or bending of the tubing.
o May become pinched due to bending or being caught in or under other equipment or the patient.
o Occurs when air vents clog.
8. Needle or Cannula Gauge/diameter
o The smaller the needle or cannula, the slower the fluid will flow.
9. Needle or Cannula Position
o Should the bevel of needle or cannula contact the wall of vein, the flow of fluid will be
interrupted.
10. Infiltration
o Should a needle or cannula slip out of a vein or puncture the wall of a vein, the fluid will leak into
surrounding tissue, edema will occur, tissue space will fill causing the flow to cease.

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Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Formulas for Calculating I.V. Flow Rates

There are two methods of calculating flow rates:
o the number of millilitres per hour and
o the number of drops per minute.
Commercial brands of intravenous equipment differ and there are variations in the size of openings of
drip chambers and consequently in the number of drops per millilitre. Drops per millilitre are indicated
on the container boxes of I.V. infusion sets. Common drip factors are:
o 10, 15 and 20 drops per millilitre for MACRODRIPS
o 60 drops per millilitre for MICRODRIPS e.g. Buretrol
1. ml/hour:
The hourly rate of infusion can be calculated by dividing the total infusion volume by the total infusion
time in hours.
TOTAL ML FLUID TO BE GIVEN = ML Hour
TOTAL HOURS TO BE GIVEN IN
Example:
1000 ML = 125 ML/HOUR
8 HOURS

2. Drops/minute:
The drops per minute must be regulated to ensure that the prescribed amounts of solution will infuse.
Drops per minute are calculated by the following formula:

DROPS/ML X AMOUNT OF FLUID TO BE INFUSED = DROPS/MINUTE

TOTAL TIME OF INFUSION (in minutes)
Example:
If the order for the I.V. is 100 ml/hour the formula is:
Macrodrip
10 DROPS/ml X 100ml = 16.7 drops/min.
60 minutes
Microdrip
60 DROPS/ml X 100ml = 100 drops/min.
60 minutes
Drip flow regulation is controlled by tightening or releasing the roller clamp (white plastic clamp) and
counting the drops falling into the drip chamber.
For microdrip administration sets note that: drops/minute = mls/hour.

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Complications of Intravenous Therapy

The complications of intravenous therapy are categorized as local, systemic and mechanical.
Local Complications
Local complications are those that occur in and around the venipuncture site.
Extravasation, which is a leaking of fluid into the tissues around the I.V. site, occurs when the vein
wall is punctured or when the fluid is flowing into the surrounding tissue rather than into the vein, as
occurs when the needle or cannula inadvertently slips out of the vein. Infiltration is the accumulation of
fluid, causing the tissue to swell; giving the area involved a puffy appearance. The skin appears white
in colour and may feel hard and cool to touch. The patient may feel pain and burning and no blood
return will be observed when the I.V. container is momentarily lowered below the infusion site.
Phlebitis, thrombophlebitis and sclerosis (see abbreviations and definitions section) occur as a result
of vein irritation and inflammation but are not typically observed in short term therapy.
Systemic Complications
Systemic Complications occur apart from the local complications. Watch for specific signs and
symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, cyanosis,
syncope, paralysis and shock like states. Pyrogenic (fever producing) reactions include septicemia and
bacteraemia resulting from the use of contaminated equipment or solutions.
Pulmonary embolism is an obstruction of the pulmonary artery or its larger branches by a clot
originating in the peripheral veins. Sudden death may follow. The signs of pulmonary embolism
include chest pain, coughing up blood-tinged sputum, shock.
Air embolism is a condition where a given amount of air inadvertently enter the vascular system,
reaches the heart and produce cardiac arrest. The administration of up to 10 mls of air intravascularly
can have serious if not fatal effects. Safe practice dictates the avoidance of any air entering the vascular
system through the IV equipment; however, small bubbles of air may be tolerated by most patients. To
prevent air embolism, use closed-system infusion sets, assure that the tubing drip chamber is one-half
full at all times, and remove all air from tubing prior to connecting them to the patient. Make sure that
all connections are tight.
Catheter embolism occurs when a portion of a plastic cannula breaks off and flows into the vascular
system.
Pulmonary edema generally follows circulatory overloads. Symptoms include headache,
hypertension, coughing, dyspnea, crackles at lung bases and restlessness. During the acute phase, the
infusion should be slowed to a rate that will maintain a patent I.V. route.

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Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Mechanical Complications
Mechanical complications occur as a result of:
o changes in the position of the needle in the vein,
o height of the solution,
o amount of solution remaining in the container,
o venospasm,
o position of patient,
o kinked tubes,
o disconnected tubes,
o plugged air vents and plugged needles or cannulae.

Management of mechanical failures centres around observation and assessment of the functioning of
the entire system.

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BIAS IV Procedures
Aseptic Technique
Always use aseptic technique when working with I.V. equipment. If prior to use, an I.V. administration
set or container becomes contaminated by being in contact with a non-sterile surface, it should be
replaced with a new one to prevent introducing bacteria or other contaminants into the system.
Reminder: "An I.V. in a patient's vein is like having an open door to his/her circulatory system."

o Make sure your equipment is sterile and take care not to contaminate it.
o Cleanse your hands thoroughly.
o Examine the label of the I.V. fluid container.
o Check the expiration date of the I.V. fluid.
o Examine the container for damage or leaks.
o Examine the solution to see if it appears clear and without contaminants.

To Prepare an I.V. Bag

o Place I. V. fluid bag on a flat surface.
o Remove outer protective bag (if present)
o Remove protective cap or tear top from insertion port.

To Change an I.V. Bag

o Verify the new solution for clarity, expiry date, type of solution and volume.
o Document the time the new container is hung and the amount absorbed from the old container.
o Clean hands with alcohol wipes or antiseptic cleaner.
o Tightly close the clamp on the administration set.
o Remove stopper from new container using aseptic technique
(see "Prepare an IV Bag" above).
o Remove spike from old container being careful to avoid contamination and insert spike into new
container. Squeeze the drip chamber (if necessary) until it is half full.
o Hang up container, and check/ensure drip chamber is half full.
o Open clamp and adjust flow to the rate ordered.

To Manage a Dislodged I.V.

o Shut off the flow of fluid by closing the roller clamp on I.V. tubing line.
o Carefully remove the needle from the site.
o Apply moderate pressure to I.V. site using a sterile dressing.
o Cover I.V. site with a sterile dressing.
o Document the time, amount of fluid remaining in the bag and amount of fluid absorbed.
o Document description of I.V. site, condition of cannula after withdrawal from vein.
o Retain equipment for the receiving hospital.

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Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

To Manage an Interstitial I.V.

o Shut off the flow of fluid by closing the roller clamp on I.V. tubing line.
o Carefully remove the needle from the site.
o Apply moderate pressure to the I.V. site using a sterile dressing.
o Cover the I.V. site with a sterile dressing.
o Document the amount of fluid remaining in the bag.
o Document description of I.V. site and surrounding area.
o Retain equipment fur the receiving hospital.

To Manage a Loose I.V. Tubing Connection

o Shut off the flow of fluid by closing the roller clamp on the I. V. tubing.
o Remove securing tape at connection site.
o Clean ends of tubing with alcohol swab.
o Re-connect and/or tighten I.V. tubing at connection site.
o Re-tape connection site.
o Regulate flow rate as ordered by sending facility staff.

To Manage a Flow Rate Problem

o Check height of tubing drip chamber. Try to position the drip chamber approximately 3 feet
above the injection site whenever possible.
o Check I.V. bag fluid level to ensure fluid remaining. Change the bag when there is approximately
150 mls of solution remaining.
o Check for signs of infiltration.
o Ensure that the roller clamp is open.
o Check tubing for kinking or clot formation.
o Check needle or cannula position - position of patient.
o Adjust tape and/or reposition arm board.

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IV Monitoring Program Limitations

1. When a stable patient (12 years of age or older) has an intravenous line to keep the vein open
(TKVO), or for fluid replacement, that is running at a prescribed rate and contains normal
electrolyte solution or contains added potassium chloride, thiamine and/or multivitamins, an
Emergency Medical Attendant who has successfully completed the IV Monitoring Training course,
may transport the patient without a sending facility escort. The EMA may also transport a patient
with an established heparin or saline lock.
2. An unescorted Emergency Medical Attendant is not authorized to:
o transport patients receiving blood or blood products
o transport patients receiving I. V. medications (except potassium chloride, thiamine and
multivitamins)
o transport patients receiving I.V. fluids via an electronic infusion pump or other pressurised
administration devices
o transport patients receiving I.V. fluids via subclavian catheters, central venous pressure lines,
jugular lines, cut down catheters, renal or chemotherapy shunts
o initiate an intravenous
o re-start an interstitial intravenous.
o transport neonate or pediatric patients with I.V.'s

The above listed situations require sending facility escorts to perform the appropriate patient care
related to the I.V. therapy.

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Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Summary of EMA IV Related Responsibilities

Pre-Transport
The Emergency Medical Attendant will:
o Ensure that any required equipment is available and functional; equipment or supplies not
normally provided by the ambulance service will be obtained from the sending facility.
o Confirm that the patient is stable.
o Confirm physician's I.V. order with sending health facility staff.
o Determine I.V. solution, flow rate, cannula or needle gauge and length and site.
o Note condition of I.V. site prior to transport.
o Confirm amount of fluid remaining in bag.
o Determine amount of fluid required for complete transport time and obtain more fluid if
applicable.
o Document all pre-transport I.V. information on the Ambulance Call Report.

During Transport
o Monitor and maintain I.V. at the prescribed rate
o Document on the Ambulance Call Report, all actions taken during transport.

Post-Transport
Report to receiving facility (and document on Ambulance Call Report form):
o type of solution infusing
o rate of flow
o amount of fluid infused during transport
o amount of fluid remaining in bag (IV container) post transport
o any problems encountered during transport
o any urinary fluid output that occurred during transport

If an I.V. becomes dislodged during transport, provide receiving facility (nursing) staff with remaining
I.V. fluid, and tubing. If the patient voids during transport, record and report the volume.

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Abbreviations and Definitions

Electrolyte: • A solution which conducts an electric current and is decomposed by
the passage of an electric current.
• Acids, bases and salts.
Intermittent: • Ceasing at intervals.
Antecubital Fossa: • Triangular area lying anterior to and below the elbow.
Thrombus: • A blood clot obstructing a blood vessel or a cavity of the heart.
Radiopaque: • Impenetrable to the x-ray i.e. is visible on x-ray films.
Therapeutic: • Having medical or healing properties.
Phlebitis: • Inflammation of a vein
Thrombophlebitis: • Inflammation of a vein with a clot formation.
Serotonin: • A brain hormone with vasoconstricting principles.
Viscosity: • Resistance to flow.
Occlusion: • State of passage being closed.
Extravasation: • Escape of fluids into the surrounding tissue.
Infiltration: • Process of a substance passing into and being deposited within a
cell, tissue or organ.
Edema: • Condition in which body tissues contain an excessive amount of
tissue fluid.
Cyanosis: • Slightly bluish, grey-like or dark purple discoloration of the skin due
to reduced oxygen content of haemoglobin in the blood.
Syncope: • A transient form of unconsciousness (fainting).
Pyrogenic: • Producing fever.
Septicemia: • Morbid condition from absorption of septic products into the blood
and tissues.
Bacteraemia: • Bacteria in the blood.
I.V.: • Intravenous
Pulmonary Edema: • Increased fluid in lungs
Dyspnea: • Air hunger resulting in laboured breathing.
Aseptic: • Free from germs.
Interstitial: • Occupying space between essential parts of an organ.
Rate of Administration: • Equals FLOW RATE

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Bibliography
1. Nursing 85, May, “Perfecting Your I.V. Therapy,” Nancy Peck, RN, BSN. I.V. Therapy Coordinator
– Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
2. “Clinical Pocket Manual, Medications and I.V.s,” Nursing 87 Books, Springhouse Corporation,
Pennsylvania.
3. “Intravenous Medications, A Guide to Preparation, Administration and Nursing Management,” J.B.
Lippincott Company, Philadelphia – Toronto.
4. “Nursing Photobook – Managing I.V. Therapy,” 1983, 1979 Intermed Communications Inc. 1111
Bethlehem Pike, Springhouse Pennsylvania 1947.
5. “Intavenous Therapy, A Handbook For Practice,” The C.V. Mosby Company, St. Louis – Toronto –
London 1980.

Acknowledgements
Education Services wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the Salvation Army Grace Hospital -
Base Hospital Program, Windsor, The EHS Medical Consultant and the Royal Victoria Hospital - Base
Hospital/RTC Program, Barrie, for their assistance in developing this training package.

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 Section 2

Pre-test, Pre-test answers,

and Sample IV flow rate calculations

EMAs are encouraged to complete this section prior to attending the IV training program, in order to
use classroom time more efficiently.
Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

I.V. Monitoring Program – Pre-Test – October 1993

A. List five separate reasons why I.V. fluids are administered.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________

B. Briefly describe the structure of a vein.

1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________

C. Describe some characteristics of stainless steel needles and plastic cannulae.

1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________

D. Describe a heparin lock in terms of its construction and four advantages.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

E. I.V. fluid and its container should be carefully checked before use. What should you look for?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

F. List the two types of drip sets, describing when each is used.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________

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G. List ten factors that may alter I.V. flow rates.

1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________________________________________
9. ___________________________________________________________________________
10. ___________________________________________________________________________

H. Calculate the number of drops per minute required to administer 50ml per hour using a microdrip
chamber. (show your calculations.)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

I. Calculate the number of drops per minute required to infuse a 1000cc bag of fluid in 8 hours.
Assume a drip set that delivers 10 drops to a ml.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

J. List signs and symptoms of local infiltration.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

K. List six measures designed to prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the circulatory
system of the patient.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________

Intravenous Monitoring Program – Provider Guide – October 1993 21

Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

L. Describe the 3 steps for preparing an I.V. bag. Describe the 8 steps in changing an I.V. bag.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________________________________________

M. Describe the actions to be taken in the event the I.V. needle becomes dislodged from the vein.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________________________

N. Describe the actions to be taken in the event that the I.V. tubing connection becomes loose.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________________

O. Describe the information that should be reported to the receiving facility and documented on the
Ambulance Call Report.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________________

22 Intravenous Monitoring Program – Provider Guide – October 1993