Cheat Sheet
IV Foundations & Fluids
16 terms | Week 1
Isotonic
Definition
Same osmolality as blood (250-375 mOsm/L)
Simple Version
Balanced — no fluid shift
Memory Trick
ISO = SAME (like 'isolated' = stays the same)
Clinical Tip
Used for volume replacement. Examples: NS (0.9% NaCl), LR, D5W in bag
Hypotonic
Definition
Lower osmolality than blood (<250 mOsm/L)
Simple Version
Dilute — water rushes INTO cells
Memory Trick
HYPO hippo — cells swell up like a hippo
Clinical Tip
Used for cellular dehydration. NEVER give with increased ICP. Example: 0.45% NaCl
Hypertonic
Definition
Higher osmolality than blood (>375 mOsm/L)
Simple Version
Concentrated — pulls water OUT of cells
Memory Trick
HYPER = pulls out, like hyperactive kids running OUT of a room
Clinical Tip
Used for severe hyponatremia. Give slowly, monitor for fluid overload. Example: 3% NaCl
D5W
Definition
5% Dextrose in Water
Simple Version
Sugar water IV
Memory Trick
D5W = Dextrose 5% Water. Isotonic in bag, hypotonic in body (sugar gets used up)
Clinical Tip
Provides free water and calories. Becomes hypotonic once dextrose metabolized. Avoid in head injury patients.
Normal Saline
Definition
0.9% Sodium Chloride
Simple Version
The go-to IV fluid
Memory Trick
NS = 'Normal' = your normal, everyday IV fluid
Clinical Tip
Most commonly used. Compatible with blood products and most medications.
Lactated Ringer's
Definition
Isotonic solution containing sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and lactate
Simple Version
Balanced electrolyte solution closest to blood plasma
Memory Trick
LR = 'Lactated Ringer' rings like a bell — it's the closest to what's already ringing through your veins
Clinical Tip
Used for burns, surgery, dehydration. Do NOT use with blood transfusions (calcium causes clotting).
LPN IV Scope (Ohio)
Definition
Monitor infusions, flush saline locks, discontinue peripheral IVs, perform site care
Simple Version
Watch, flush, pull, and clean — but don't start the hard stuff
Memory Trick
LPN = Look, Prime, Notify (you watch and report, RN initiates)
Clinical Tip
Always verify your facility's specific policy — some allow IV push of certain meds with additional certification.
mL/hr Formula
Definition
Total volume (mL) / Total time (hours) = mL/hr
Simple Version
Divide mL by hours
Memory Trick
Volume over Time, every time
Clinical Tip
This is what you program into the pump. Double-check by multiplying back: rate x time should equal total volume.
5 Rights of IV Administration
Definition
Right patient, Right drug/solution, Right dose/rate, Right route, Right time
Simple Version
5 checks before anything goes into the patient
Memory Trick
5 Rs = Patient, Drug, Dose, Route, Time
Clinical Tip
Check these at the time of administration, not just when you pull the solution from the supply.
NPSGs for IV Therapy
Definition
Use two patient identifiers, label all solutions, reduce infection risk, prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections
Simple Version
ID the patient, label the bag, keep it clean
Memory Trick
Joint Commission says: ID, Label, Clean
Clinical Tip
Two identifiers = name + DOB (room number is NEVER an acceptable identifier).
Drip Chamber
Definition
Clear chamber on IV tubing for counting drops
Simple Version
The drop-counting window
Memory Trick
1/3 to 1/2 full — think 'half empty is just right'
Clinical Tip
Squeeze and release to fill. If overfilled, invert the bag and squeeze fluid back.
ABG Normal Values
Definition
pH 7.35-7.45, PaCO2 35-45, HCO3 22-26, PaO2 80-100, SaO2 95-100%
Simple Version
The 5 numbers you must memorize
Memory Trick
pH = 7.35-7.45 (35-45 pattern), CO2 = 35-45, Bicarb = 22-26, O2 = 80-100
Clinical Tip
Always interpret in order: pH first (acid or alkaline?), then CO2 (respiratory), then HCO3 (metabolic).
Chloraprep
Definition
2% chlorhexidine gluconate / 70% isopropyl alcohol
Simple Version
Gold standard IV site antiseptic
Memory Trick
ChloraPrep = Chlorhexidine Preparation
Clinical Tip
Apply using back-and-forth friction for 30 seconds. Let dry completely. Do NOT blow on it or fan it.
Bactericidal vs Bacteriostatic
Definition
Bactericidal kills bacteria; bacteriostatic stops growth
Simple Version
Kill vs. pause
Memory Trick
-cidal = kills (like homicidal). -static = stays still (like static electricity)
Clinical Tip
Immunocompromised patients often need bactericidal agents because their immune system can't finish off stopped bacteria.
Penicillins
Definition
Beta-lactam antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Piperacillin
Simple Version
The original bacteria-wall busters
Memory Trick
PEN-icillin = PENalizes bacteria by busting their walls
Clinical Tip
Always ask about penicillin allergy. 10% cross-reactivity with cephalosporins. Watch for anaphylaxis for 30 min after first dose.
Povidone-Iodine
Definition
Betadine — alternative antiseptic for chlorhexidine-allergic patients
Simple Version
The brown-orange backup antiseptic
Memory Trick
Brown Betadine = Backup
Clinical Tip
Requires longer dry time (1.5-2 min). Less residual activity than chlorhexidine. Ask about iodine/shellfish allergy.