Intravenous therapy is the process by which fluids are introduced directly into a vein. It is one of the fastest methods available to or hydrate a patient. Usually performed in a hospital setting, intravenous therapy may be as quick as a single injection or require a port for long-term therapy. There are several risks associated with intravenous therapy, such as phlebitis and embolism. However, the intravenous line allows medical staff to quickly and accuracately treat patients, which makes it an invaluable tool.
Function
Intravenous Therapy, or IV therapy, uses a needle to inject liquid into the vein in a single shot. The term most often refers to the thin, flexible tube called a catheter. A medical professional inserts the IV to administer medicine, hydration, nutrition or blood products. It may also be used to take a blood sample. Intravenous lines are usually inserted in the arm at the elbow, forearm or back of the hand.
Types
Intravenous therapy may be administered via any of three methods of insertion: a syringe and needle; a peripheral IV line, previously described; or a central IV line. Central IV lines are larger than peripheral lines and access the heart directly. Particularly potent medicines or long term care, such as in the case of chemotherapy, may require a central IV line.
There are two types of fluids administered via intravenous therapy. Watery or water-based fluids, such as saline, are called crystalloids. Viscous fluids, like blood, are called colloids.
Intravenous therapy may be administered continuously or as individual doses. Continuous IV therapy is called an intravenous drip, and separate doses of IV therapy are called an intermittent infusion.
Time Frame
A syringe and needle offer immediate fluid administration. Peripheral intravenous lines can remain in place for several days with regular monitoring and maintenance of the site. A port may be implanted just under the skin if long-term intravenous therapy is needed. The port has a self-sealing silicone plug through which a needle can be inserted to deliver medication more safely and conveniently than a central IV.
Benefits
Fluids administered via intravenous therapy travel throughout the body more quickly than those delivered by other means. Blood transfusions and some medications can only be given intravenously. Intravenous rehydration is common and very effective as well. Intravenous therapy can supply nutrition, fluids and medication to a patient who is unconscious, vomiting or otherwise unable to take any oral treatment.
Considerations
There are a few risks related to intravenous therapy, the most common of which are infection and phlebitis. An infection at the IV site may be marked by swelling, redness and a fever. Proper care of the site greatly reduces the risk of infection. Phlebitis has similar symptoms as an infection, but it is caused by the IV catheter irritating the vein. If phlebitis occurs, the IV site must be relocated.
Another complication, infiltration, can occur when IV fluid leaks into the tissue instead of the vein. Like infection and phlebitis, infiltration is common and usually attending medical staff can easily address it.
More serious, and less common, risks of intravenous therapy include embolism and extravasation. Embolism is the block in a vessel by a solid mass or air bubble introduced through an IV. Extravasation is much like infiltration, except that the fluid leaked is caustic to the tissues it touches. Both of these conditions are rare, but more common with central IVs.
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