What is the purpose of intravenous therapy?
IV therapy, or intravenous therapy, delivers fluids, medications, or vitamins directly into the veins of the body. It is the fastest way to deliver blood products, vitamins, medications, or other necessary fluids directly into a person’s circulatory system.
What are the IV complications?
IV Complications
- Infiltration. Infiltration is the infusion of fluid and/or medication outside the intravascular space, into the surrounding soft tissue.
- Hematoma.
- Air Embolism.
- Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis.
- Extravascular Injection.
- Intraarterial Injection.
- A Note About Oxygen.
How long should an IV stay in?
Many hospitals have protocols that require replacement of IV catheters every 72 to 96 hours, regardless of clinical indication.
How often should IVs be changed?
every 72 to 96 hours
The 2011 CDC guideline based on expert opinion recommends routine replacement every 72 to 96 hours to prevent phlebitis and infection in adults. It has been extended from 24 to 48 hours over the last 3 decades.
What is in a drip?
An IV fluid drip involves a small tube called a catheter and a saline-based electrolyte solution that contains your selected vitamins and nutrients. An IV drip delivers these essential nutrients and fluids directly into your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive tract.
Why do we give IV in veins?
IVs are always placed in veins, not arteries, allowing the medication to move through the bloodstream to the heart.
Why is saline used in IV?
Doctors use IV saline to replenish lost fluids, flush wounds, deliver medications, and sustain patients through surgery, dialysis, and chemotherapy. Saline IVs have even found a place outside the hospital, as a trendy hangover remedy. “It has high levels of sodium and chloride, levels that are higher than the blood.
What is the most serious risk of intravenous therapy?
Complications of IV Therapy
- Phlebitis. Inflammation of the vein.
- Extravasation. This happens when the liquid in the IV leaks to the tissue surrounding the vein.
- Air Embolism. This happens when an air bubble (or air bubbles) enters the vein.
- Hypervolaemia. This is an abnormal increase in blood volume.
- Infection.
What is extravasation in IV therapy?
Extravasation refers to the leakage of injected drugs from blood vessels causing damage to the surrounding tissues. Common symptoms and signs of extravasation include pain, stinging or burning sensations, and edema around the intravenous (IV) injection site.
How to care for a patient with intravenous therapy?
How to Care for a Patient with Intravenous Therapy. This means that the fluid is collecting in surrounding tissues and isn’t flowing through the vein as desired. Look for adverse signs including redness and swelling. Ask the patient if her IV site feels itchy or irritated, as this could indicate a problem.
What is intravenous (IV) therapy?
Intravenous therapy (IV therapy) is used to deliver a variety of fluids to the body. These can range from liquid medications to blood products or supplemental nutrition. This delivery method is much faster than the oral route, as the fluids are delivered directly to the bloodstream.
How do you take care of a patient with an IV?
Taking care of a patient with an IV line involves consistent monitoring to ensure that the pathway remains accessible. Failing to do so can lead to delayed treatments and damaged veins. Discuss the purpose of the IV with the patient. Keeping your patient involved in his care fosters a constructive dialogue.
What is an intravenous drip?
Every nurse’s much needed skill. Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the giving of liquid substances directly into a vein. It can be intermittent or continuous; continuous administration is called an intravenous drip. The word intravenous simply means “within a vein”, but is most commonly used to refer to IV therapy.