AEMCA Practice Exam

When should escorts be used in the IV maintenance standard?

1. For blood products

2. For narcotics

3. For infusion rates greater than 200ml/hr

4. For children under 18

The correct answer is: For infusion rates greater than 200ml/hr

The use of escorts in IV maintenance is particularly important when dealing with infusion rates greater than 200 ml/hr. This is because high infusion rates can significantly increase the risk of complications such as fluid overload, infiltration, and phlebitis. Having an escort ensures that there is an additional person available to monitor the patient closely during the infusion, ready to address any issues that might arise, ensuring patient safety and allowing for an immediate response in the event of an adverse reaction. Other scenarios, while they may also warrant careful monitoring, do not universally require an escort in the same way that high infusion rates do. For example, blood products and narcotics require specific protocols and monitoring but are typically managed by trained personnel who are familiar with their administration. Children under 18 are indeed a vulnerable population, but the need for an escort in their IV maintenance does not hinge solely on age. Instead, decisions about escorts should be based on the specific clinical situation, including the type of infusion and the rate of administration.