CRNI flashcards
CRNI · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Teach-back method
- A communication technique in which the patient explains or demonstrates health information in their own words, allowing the nurse to confirm understanding and re-teach as needed.
- Phlebitis scale
- A 0–4 clinical grading tool that assesses pain, erythema, edema, induration, and palpable cord at a peripheral IV site to guide removal and treatment decisions.
- Daily weight monitoring
- Obtaining weight at the same time each day, on the same scale, with similar clothing; a 1-kg change is approximately equal to 1 L of fluid gain or loss.
- Catheter-to-vein ratio
- The catheter diameter should be less than 45% of the vein lumen; a larger ratio increases the risk of thrombosis and phlebitis.
- PICC indications
- Peripherally inserted central catheter use is considered for therapy longer than 5–7 days, vesicant drugs, hypertonic solutions, and difficult peripheral access.
- Central catheter tip location
- The ideal tip position is the lower third of the superior vena cava or the cavoatrial junction; correct placement is confirmed by imaging before the line is used.
- Vesicant administration check
- Confirm blood return before and during administration of a vesicant; stop the infusion for pain, resistance, swelling, or loss of blood return.
- Blood administration filter
- Blood components are infused through a 170–260 micron filter with 0.9% sodium chloride; the transfusion must be completed within 4 hours of spiking.
- Parenteral nutrition filter
- Use a 1.2-micron filter for lipid-containing parenteral nutrition and a 0.22-micron filter for lipid-free solutions to remove particulates and microorganisms.
- Extravasation management
- Stop the infusion, aspirate residual drug through the catheter, remove the catheter, apply the prescribed antidote and compress, and notify the provider immediately.
- Air embolism positioning
- Place the patient in the left lateral Trendelenburg position, administer 100% oxygen, and notify the provider to prevent air from obstructing the pulmonary outflow tract.
- Catheter occlusion management
- Never force flush an occluded catheter; use a 10-mL syringe and follow protocol for alteplase or precipitate-dissolving agents after assessing for mechanical causes.
- Speed shock
- A systemic reaction to rapid IV infusion characterized by flushing, headache, chest tightness, hypotension, and tachycardia; slow or stop the infusion and assess the patient.
- CLABSI prevention bundle
- A set of evidence-based practices including hand hygiene, maximal sterile barrier, chlorhexidine antisepsis, optimal site selection, and daily review of central line necessity.
- Hazardous drug PPE
- NIOSH-recommended protection includes double chemotherapy gloves, a gown, eye and face protection, and a closed system transfer device during handling and administration.
- Sharps safety
- Do not recap needles; activate the safety device and dispose of sharps immediately in a puncture-resistant container located at the point of use.
- Transfusion verification
- Two qualified staff members verify patient identity, blood type, unit number, component, and expiration at the bedside before starting the transfusion.
- Transfusion reaction response
- Stop the transfusion, keep the line open with saline, notify the provider and blood bank, return the bag and tubing, and send required samples.
- TACO
- Transfusion-associated circulatory overload presents with dyspnea, crackles, hypertension, and jugular venous distention; treatment includes slowing the transfusion and administering diuretics as ordered.
- Refeeding syndrome
- A metabolic complication of reintroducing nutrition in malnourished patients, causing hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia; nutrition is started slowly with electrolyte monitoring.
- Lipid emulsion assessment
- Inspect lipid emulsion for separation or a cream layer; if present, discard it because it indicates instability and risk of emboli or infection.
- PN discontinuation
- Parenteral nutrition is tapered or stopped gradually to prevent rebound hypoglycemia; blood glucose is monitored after discontinuation.
- Dose calculation formula
- Dose = (desired dose ÷ available dose) × volume; IV flow rate = volume ÷ time; drop rate = (volume × drop factor) ÷ time in minutes.
- Potassium IV administration
- Potassium chloride is never given by IV push; peripheral rates generally do not exceed 10 mEq/hr, and central rates up to 20 mEq/hr require cardiac monitoring.
- Sodium correction rate
- Serum sodium should be corrected by no more than 8–10 mEq/L in 24 hours, or about 0.5 mEq/L/hr, to avoid osmotic demyelination syndrome.
- Corrected calcium formula
- Corrected calcium = measured calcium + 0.8 × (4.0 − serum albumin in g/dL); this adjusts calcium interpretation in hypoalbuminemia.
- Needle phobia interventions
- Acknowledge the fear and use distraction, relaxation techniques, topical anesthetics, and supportive positioning to reduce pain and anxiety during venipuncture.
- Home infusion readiness
- Assess the home environment, utilities, storage, caregiver capability, and emergency communication plan before discharging a patient on home infusion therapy.
- INS Standards
- The Infusion Nurses Society Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice provides evidence-based guidance for infusion nursing practice, including assessment, access, administration, and complication management.
- Evidence hierarchy
- A ranking of study designs in which systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide the strongest evidence, followed by randomized trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and expert opinion.
- Just culture
- A safety framework that encourages reporting of errors and near misses while maintaining accountability for reckless or intentionally unsafe behavior.
- Interpreter use
- Use qualified medical interpreters rather than family members for patient education and consent; provide materials in the patient's preferred language and at appropriate health literacy.