Monitoring and Maintaining an Infusion

Monitoring and maintaining an intravenous (IV) infusion is the continuous assessment and management of an established IV line to ensure that fluids or medications are delivered safely, accurately, and at the prescribed rate. This procedure includes checking the IV site, regulating the flow rate, ensuring the patency of the line, and observing the patient for any complications such as infiltration, infection, or phlebitis. Proper monitoring helps ensure effective therapy and patient safety.

Why is this procedure performed?

To ensure the IV fluids or medications are infused at the correct rate.
To maintain the patency and proper functioning of the IV line.
To monitor the IV site for complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection.
To ensure the patient receives the prescribed therapy safely and effectively.
To detect and manage problems early to prevent further complications.

Materials Needed:

Watch with a second hand

ASSESSMENT

Identify whether patient has IV fluid running.
Examine IV record for accuracy and completeness as to:
- Number of IV infusing
- Ordered contents of fluid container
- Time IV was hung
- Time IV is to be completed

Review information about IV infusing if not familiar with.
Identify patient
Explain that you are monitoring the IV infusion
Check IV container
- Date and time
- Correct solution infusing
- Number of IV container is correct
- Fluid level in container and designated time of completion
Inspect drip chamber
- Filled to appropriate level
- Dripping
- Rate is correct

Check tubing for kinks or obstruction
Examine IV site for phlebitis or infiltration
- Skin color and temperature
- Pain
- Swelling
If the arm board is in use, remove, examine for skin irritation and circulation impairment and replace
Check IV line for backflow.
Identify the specific problem present.

PLANNING

Plan an appropriate course of action on the IV problem noted

IMPLEMENTATION

Carry out action planned

EVALUATION

Evaluate using the following criteria:

Any problem identified and corrected
Correct IV infusion running at correct rate

DOCUMENTATION