IV Therapy Notes

Introduction to IV Therapy

• Definition: Intravenous (IV) therapy is the administration of fluids, electrolytes, nutrients, or medications through a needle or cannula into a vein.
• Types of IV Therapy:
  • Peripheral IVs: Placed in the arms, typically for short-term use.
  • Central Venous Therapy: Includes tunneled, non-tunneled, PICC lines, or implanted ports.

Intravenous Fluids

• Types:
  • Crystalloid Solutions:
  • Isotonic: Same concentration as plasma (e.g., D5W, Lactated Ringer's, Normal Saline).
  • Hypotonic: Lower concentration than plasma, swells cells (e.g., 0.45% NaCl).
  • Hypertonic: Higher concentration than plasma, shrinks cells (e.g., 3% saline, D10W).
  • Colloid Solutions: Blood products, plasma expanders (e.g., whole blood, fresh frozen plasma).

IV Administration

• Equipment Selection:
  • Gauge of needle depends on therapy type, viscosity of medications, and vein size.
  • Larger needles are needed for blood transfusions to prevent lysis of blood cells.