What is an indwelling IV?

Jolie, BSN · Jan 29, 2011

Are these homework questions?

Knowing the definition of the words "indwelling" and "IV", can you venture a guess?

Why do you think it would be important for an anesthesia care provider to interview and examine a patient and review his medical history well in advance of a procedure? Can you think of any information that may come to light during this appointment that would require advanced planning and preparation?

Mulan · Jan 30, 2011

Based upon your previous posts, you are an RN.

Where did you go to school?

Nurseinprocess · Jan 30, 2011

Heck, I've never heard of an IV referred to as "indwelling" either? And normally an anesthesiologist will have an interview with the pt prior to surgery to find out any health issues/history that could impact their anesthesia, like asthma or prior complications with anesthesia (I had a spinal for a D&C and would never get another one (ended up with spinal headache), so I told my anesthesiologist I preferred an epidural for my c-section). This isn't something anyone would necessarily know if they hadn't had surgery themself. Getting pt information the day before surgery is more beneficial to the surgery staff so they can plan accordingly.

NYCRN16 · Jan 30, 2011

Never heard of an indwelling IV. Only heard of indwelling urinary catheter.
Also, why is it preferable that the anesthesiologist sees the patient the day before surgery rather than the day of ? Does it have something to do with irritating the throat?

Seriously????

INDWELLING means its INSIDE of the person. Where else would an IV be but INSIDE of a vein?

The anesthesiologist sees the patient the day before not because of irritating the throat, which is a minor inconvienance, but because getting general anesthesia is serious business and knowing the patients allergies and medical history is important.

If you were a student than I could understand questions like this, but as a practicing nurse, this is pretty scary.

Nurseinprocess · Jan 30, 2011

Could indwelling IV refer to a PICC line or a Central line? We don't use that terminology where I work, though.

rntim49 · Jan 30, 2011

Seriously????
If you were a student than I could understand questions like this, but as a practicing nurse, this is pretty scary.

I am sorry but this is beyond scary, and I am having trouble finding work????? :eek:

Trekfan · Jan 30, 2011

I am sorry but this is beyond scary, and I am having trouble finding work?????

The scariest thing I ever heard come out of an RN was "insulin Rasies blood sugar and to treat low blood sugar you give more insulin" OMG are you kidding me .

CRNA1982 · Jan 30, 2011

Heck, I've never heard of an IV referred to as "indwelling" either? And normally an anesthesiologist will have an interview with the pt prior to surgery to find out any health issues/history that could impact their anesthesia, like asthma or prior complications with anesthesia (I had a spinal for a D&C and would never get another one (ended up with spinal headache), so I told my anesthesiologist I preferred an epidural for my c-section). This isn't something anyone would necessarily know if they hadn't had surgery themself. Getting pt information the day before surgery is more beneficial to the surgery staff so they can plan accordingly.

Just to let you know....You also run a risk of having a "spinal headache" with an epidural as well. This is known as a post-dural puncture headache. Epidural needles are actually much larger than spinal needles (E = 18 gauge vs S = 22 or 25). PDPH's are much more common with epidurals compared to spinals.

Mulan · Jan 30, 2011

How does one stick oneself with a flexpen? Isn't a flexpen specifically designed to prevent needle sticks?

AirforceRN, RN · Jan 30, 2011

What's with the dog pile? The OP asked a question...you can either answer the question or leave it for someone else. There is no need to criticize or belittle because something that seems obvious to you isn't to others. This is why students and new grads are so scared to ask questions of the more experienced nurses.

Popwhizbangz, LPN · Jan 30, 2011

I wouldn't know, I'm just a simple Psych cave man, these IV technologies frighten me- ok just a (bad) joke but in all honesty I've largely left all that behind, except for codes & such, we have no designated team, just muddle along (rather well actually) until we send the patient elsewhere.