Comprehensive Guide to IV Therapy: Sites, Maintenance, and Pharmacology

Peripheral IV site change interval

Every 72-96 hours.

IV fluid bag change interval

Every 24 hours or per medication guidelines.

Phlebitis signs

Redness, warmth, pain, hard vein. Remove IV, apply warm compress.

Infiltration signs

Swelling, cool skin, pale. Stop IV, elevate limb, compress.

IV site infection signs

Redness, pus, fever. Remove IV, notify provider, start antibiotics.

Air embolism signs

Chest pain, dyspnea, hypotension. Clamp line, left Trendelenburg, call for help.

Extravasation

Pain, blistering, tissue damage. Stop IV, aspirate drug, apply antidote if available.

Crystalloids

Used for hydration and electrolyte balance (e.g., NS, D5W, LR).

Colloids

Used for volume expansion in shock/burns (e.g., albumin, dextran).

Hypertonic fluids

Used for hyponatremia, cerebral edema (e.g., D10W, 3% NaCl).

Hypotonic fluids

Used for cellular dehydration (e.g., 0.45% NaCl); use cautiously.

Pharmacodynamics

What the drug does to the body (e.g., lowers BP).

Pharmacokinetics

What the body does to the drug (ADME: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).

Receptor binding

When a drug attaches to a cell receptor to exert effects.

Agonist

A drug that activates a receptor (e.g., morphine).

Antagonist

A drug that blocks a receptor (e.g., naloxone).

Common IV insertion sites

Forearm veins (cephalic, basilic), dorsal hand veins, antecubital fossa.

IV site for infants

Scalp veins.

Emergency IV site

External jugular vein.