Intravenous (IV) therapy involves infusing liquid substances directly into a vein. It is used to administer fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, drugs, blood products, and nutrients when oral intake is inadequate. There are several types of IV lines that can be used including peripheral, central, and midline catheters. IV therapy may be delivered continuously, intermittently, or via a bolus depending on the needs of the patient. Proper IV insertion and maintenance is important to prevent complications.

1. By
Davincy.S

2. Intravenous therapy is the infusion of
liquid substances directly into a vein.
Intravenous (IV) means "within vein".
Intravenous infusions are commonly referred
to as drips.

3. Peripheral IV
Central lines
Peripherally inserted central catheter
Tunneled lines
Midline catheter

4. IV therapy is used to maintain or
restore fluid balance when oral replacement
is inadequate or impossible, to maintain or
replace electrolytes, to administer water-
soluble vitamins, to administer drugs, to
provide a source of calories and nutrients,
and to replace blood and blood products.

5.  A rapid drug effect is required
 Oral intake is restricted
 A client cannot swallow
 Gastrointestinal absorption is impaired
 A continuous therapeutic blood level is
desired.

6. Continuous Infusion
Intermittent Infusion
Bolus

7.  In a continuous infusion, the physician orders
the infusion in milliliters (mL) to be delivered
over a specific amount of time; for example,
100 mL per hour. The infusion is kept running
constantly until discontinued by the physician.
 An IV controller or roller clamp allows the
solution to infuse at a constant rate.

8. Intermittent IV lines are “capped off” with
an injection port and used only periodically.
Thus intermittent IV therapy is
administered at prescribed intervals.
You must ensure that an intermittent
catheter is patent (not occluded with a clot)
before injecting a drug or solution. Draw
back with a syringe to check for backflow
of blood before injection.

9. Sites that are capped with an injection cap
are called saline or heparin locks. A diluted
solution of heparin, an anticoagulant, may
be used to “flush” the catheter after each
use and every 8 hours or according to
institution policy.

10. A bolus drug (sometimes called an IV
push or IVP drug) isinjected slowly via a
syringe into the IV site or tubing port.
It provides a rapid effect because it is
delivered directly into the patient’s
bloodstream.

11.  Some IV medications, such as antibiotics,
need to be infused over a short period of
time. For example, an antibiotic may be
mixed with 50 mL of dextrose solution and
infused over 30 minutes.
 In order for the piggyback medication to
infuse, it must hang higher than the primary
infusion

12. The two types of IV solutions are
• Crystalloid solutions
• Colloid solutions

13. These terms refer to the concentration of
dissolved substances in relation to the
plasma into which they are instilled.
Crystalloid solutions are divided into
isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic
solutions

14. An isotonic solution contains the same
concentration of dissolved substances as
is normally found in plasma.
Isotonic solutions are administered to
maintain fluid balance when clients
temporarily cannot eat or drink.

15.  An isotonic solution contains the same
concentration of dissolved substances as is
normally found in plasma.
 Isotonic solutions are administered to
maintain fluid balance when clients
temporarily cannot eat or drink.
 Eg: 0.9% Saline, also called normal saline
(NS), 5% Dextrose in water, also called
D5W, Ringer’s solution or lactated Ringer’s

16. A hypotonic solution contains fewer
dissolved substances compared with
plasma. Hypotonic solutions effectively
rehydrate clients experiencing fluid deficits.
Therefore, they are administered to clients
experiencing fluid losses in excess of fluid
intake, such as those who have diarrhea or
are vomiting.

17. Eg: 0.45% Sodium chloride, also called
half-strength saline, 5% Dextrose in 0.45%
saline

18.  A hypertonic solution is more concentrated
(contains more dissolved substances) than body
fluid. Consequently, it draws fluid into the
intravascular compartment from the more dilute
areas in the cells and interstitial spaces.
 Hypertonic solutions are not used very frequently
except when it is necessary to reduce cerebral
(brain) edema, expand circulatory volume rapidly,
or administer nutrition parenterally.

19. Eg: 10% Dextrose in water, also called
D10W, 3% Saline, 20% Dextrose in water

20. 1. Check physician’s order.
2. Wash your hands for 15 to 20 seconds.
3. Prepare the equipment.
4. Assess the patient.
5. Select the site and dilate the vein.
6. Select the needle (catheter).
7. Put on gloves.
8. Prepare the site.

21. 9. Enter the vein using the direct or
indirect method.
10. Stabilize the catheter with tape, and
apply a dressing.
11. Label the site, tubing, and bag.
12. Properly dispose of used equipment.
13. Educate the patient.
14. Calculate the drip rate, if applicable.
15. Document the procedure.

22. • Age of patient
• Availability of sites
• Size of catheter to be used
• Purpose of infusion therapy
• Osmolarity of solution to be infused
• Volume, rate, and length of infusion
• Degree of mobility desired