What is an IV? Intravenous therapy, according to answers.com, “is the giving of liquid substances directly into a vein. The word intravenous simply means ‘within a vein.'” The drip method is used to prevent air from entering the vein and allows for an estimate of flow rate. It’s one of the fastest ways to administer fluids and medications through the body.
The vein for the intravenous injection is accessed by way of a hypodermic needle through the skin. Often times the needle is connected to tubing or to a syringe which allows for blood samples or administering fluids. Often IVs are placed on the back of the hand or in the arm, and in younger patients it is fairly common to administer an IV in the foot.
Sometimes it’s necessary to administer medications near the heart or main circulatory system; this is called a central line, which feeds into one of the main veins that reach the heart (the inferior or superior vena cava).
Intravenous drip is the continuous infusion of fluids through the IV access. These fluids may contain medications, but they do not always. IV drips can be regulated by a pump, gravity drip (in which the fluids are hung above the patient’s head), and can also be administered via an IV push or bolus, wherein medication is injected via a syringe connected to the IV access device.
What can be given in an IV? First of all, intravenous injections must always be sterile. This means new equipment or sterilized equipment each and every time an IV is administered.
Some medications, as well as blood transfusions and lethal injections, can only be administered by way of an IV. Often times hospital patients are given medications in an IV or even fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics, steroids, narcotics, chemotherapy medications, osteoporosis medications, and many other substances can be injected.
There are two types of fluids that may be administered through an IV drip: colloids and crystalloids. Crystalloids are simply water-soluble molecules (such as mineral salts), while colloids contain larger insoluble molecules (such as blood), and tend to be more expensive than crystalloids.
One of the most commonly used substances in an IV drip is simple saline solution, sodium chloride at a concentration similar to that found in blood. Another common IV fluid, aside from medications, is an electrolyte solution. According to answers.com, the “choice of fluids may also depend on the chemical properties of the medications being given.”
What are some risks of intravenous injections?
Intravenous injections are very common and do not carry high risk in and of themselves, however they are not without occasional complications.
If an IV is not properly inserted or the vein is fragile, the vein may rupture and leak blood into the surrounding area, which is known as a “blown vein” or “tissuing.” This is not often serious and will heal on its own. Infiltration and inflammation are common IV risks.
Pain and tissue damage can result from IV injections, and is often directly related to what is being administered into the vein and the person’s level of tolerance for pain. If someone needs frequent injections the veins may eventually scar and narrow, which makes any injections after that very difficult and sometimes even impossible.
Another risk is infection of the injection site. If an IV is left in too long, not only can infection occur, but also the risk of phlebitis, cellulitis and sepsis are present. It is advised that an IV be left in no longer than a maximum of 96 hours.
What should I do before getting a scheduled IV injection?
Of course, those needing emergency treatment will not know ahead of time they will be getting this procedure, but if you know you will be getting an IV injection, there are a few things you can do to better prepare for your scheduled IV. First and foremost, write any questions or concerns you may have that you can discuss with your medical professional prior to the injection. Be sure to let the staff know of any allergies you have. This can include things such as latex or tapes, which may be used to cover the injection site after therapy is complete.
Some basic things to do in preparation are: drink plenty of water; pre-medicate if required, according to your physician’s directions; wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing (consider wearing several layers to allow for personal temperature adjustment); bring a list of current medications.
You may want to bring along a book or magazine, an iPod, quiet video games, a pillow (particularly a neck pillow), scrap paper to write poetry, ideas, grocery lists, etc, pictures of loved ones, or anything else that may help you pass the time during your IV therapy.
When your injection is complete, be sure to ask any other questions you may have and know the after-care and follow-up procedures. Also be sure to get an emergency contact number should the unexpected occur where you may need medical advice for a post-IV complication, should it arise.
In Summary
Intravenous injections can be a vital part of treatment for many individuals and are very safe, but not without risk. Fluids can be given to treat a patient for something such as dehydration and medications can be delivered quickly to those in pain via an IV.
Sources
http://www.answers.com/topic/intravenous-therapy
http://www.medicinenet.com/iv_drug_infusion_faqs/article.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-intravenous-infusion.htm
