What would happen if you started an IV of 0.9% Normal Saline, but put the catheter in the opposite direction of the blood flow?
2007-01-22 21:47:49 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
nothing would flow, depending on the exact set up, you might get some bleeding
2007-01-22 21:54:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. There are 2 elements of pressure - the static pressure ( constant for a vein independent of the direction) and the dynamic pressure ( the extra pressure to force the way though in a reverse stream) ... Knowing well that veins dont have a very high flow rates, and the IV fluid is hung at a height ( 1 mtr above body level) It may work like normal - but much slower. The bigger issue is the possibility of blood clot and blockage in the needle
2007-01-23 08:12:18 · answer #2 · answered by RMG 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't be disasterous...
It probably wouldn't completely block the flow of blood, so it would just reduce the amount of blood going to that particular extremity. Over a long period of time that could be bad....
The IV would be fighting against a slightly increased pressure, so it wouldn't come out as fast.
2007-01-23 05:55:39 · answer #3 · answered by tgypoi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the counter flow of the blood in the vein would slow the infusion--so the IV would not work properly. If you are lucky, that is. More likely, it would force blood up the needle into the IV tube.
Also, you get sued for malpractice! :)
2007-01-23 05:56:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Blood would go into the catheter. It's gross when that happens though.
2007-01-23 05:55:24 · answer #5 · answered by Theresa A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your site probably would infiltrate, have to be removed and a new iv started.
2007-01-23 07:43:25 · answer #6 · answered by veronicawilliams1969 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋