Final answer:
Upon needle infiltration, remove the infiltrated needle, apply a warm compress, and place the new needle in another vein at a different site. For IV therapy, the placement height of the IV bag influences the flow rate into the vein, typically placed at 0.24 m or higher above the entry point.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a venous needle infiltrates, it is important to first remove the infiltrated needle and then apply a warm compress to the affected area to alleviate any discomfort and to help disperse the infiltrated fluid. The new venous needle should be inserted in a different vein, ideally in another limb or, if not possible, above the site of infiltration on the same limb. It is essential to avoid the area of infiltration to prevent further tissue damage. In an intravenous (IV) therapy setup, the IV bag is typically placed at a specific height to ensure a proper flow rate. For the fluid to just enter the arm, the IV bag must be placed at 0.24 meters above the entry point into the arm. However, it is often placed higher to provide a greater flow rate.
Clinical circumstances like those experienced by Barbara in the clinical focus scenario, where the patient has a localized infection at the catheter site, also require careful attention. Appropriate antibiotic treatment and wound care must be employed alongside the IV treatment. In her case, the antibiotic oxacillin was prescribed.