Equipment for Fluid Therapy

QUESTIONS

1. Ideally, what is the maximum period of time that an intravenous catheter may remain indwelling?
2. What is a "cut down"?
3. What is used to flush an intravenous catheter in the event of a blockage?
4. What is the rate in drops/ml of a standard fluid administration set (giving set)?
5. What type of fluid administration set is preferred for smaller patients and why?
6. What is a Burette giving set?
7. You are monitoring a restless bull terrier on intravenous fluid therapy. What methods could be employed to prevent interference with the equipment?
8. Why are over-the-needle catheters preferable to butterfly needles?
9. Why should a dressing covering an indwelling intravenous catheter be removed and replaced regularly?
10. What precaution should be taken if only 500mls of a litre bag of fluids are to be administered?
11. What is a constant rate infusion pump?
12. To what temperature should fluids be warmed before administration? Body temperature (approximately 38 degrees C).

A practical task: Set up equipment for intravenous fluid therapy accompanies this module.