What was assessed about the pre-hospital IV?

What was assessed about the pre-hospital IV?

• A. The pre-hospital IV is infiltrated.
• B. The pre-hospital IV is occluded.
• C. The pre-hospital IV is patent.
• D. The pre-hospital IV was not assessed.

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is confirming IV patency. In the pre-hospital setting, you verify that an IV line is open and functioning so it can reliably deliver fluids and medications. A patent line flows smoothly when flushed, with no resistance, leakage, or swelling at the site, and there’s no backflow or signs of occlusion or infiltration. If the line were infiltrated, you’d see swelling or cool skin around the site; if occluded, there would be little to no flow despite flushing. Since the assessment outcome described is that the IV was patent, it means the line was open and ready for use.

The key idea here is confirming IV patency. In the pre-hospital setting, you verify that an IV line is open and functioning so it can reliably deliver fluids and medications. A patent line flows smoothly when flushed, with no resistance, leakage, or swelling at the site, and there’s no backflow or signs of occlusion or infiltration. If the line were infiltrated, you’d see swelling or cool skin around the site; if occluded, there would be little to no flow despite flushing. Since the assessment outcome described is that the IV was patent, it means the line was open and ready for use.