Frequently Asked Questions About IV Therapy | AZ IV Medics (2024)

FAQs

What do you need to know about IV therapy? ›

IV therapy (or intravenous therapy) is a widely used method in medicine for blood transfusions and to deliver fluids, medications and nutrition directly into a person's bloodstream for a long time now. Attempts at providing intravenous therapy have been recorded as early as the late 1400s.

While it is not required, it is common to tip your IV nurse for their services. A standard tip is 15-20% of the total cost of the IV therapy session.

If a patient is ill and has fluid loss related to decreased intake, surgery, vomiting, diarrhea, or diaphoresis, the patient may require IV therapy.

The purpose of intravenous (IV) therapy is to replace fluid and electrolytes, provide medications, and replenish blood volume.

The Myers co*cktail is one of the most utilized IV infusion therapies in medicine. Originally created by Dr. John Myers in the 1960s, the formula has been updated to meet modern nutritional and hydration needs, so it's often called the Modified Myers co*cktail.

The treatment is contraindicated for those with kidney disease or heart conditions as the organs may not be able to process high concentrations of vitamins at one time. Can interfere with electrolyte balance. Too much potassium, for example, can lead to a heart attack.

Once informed consent is given and a person fully understands the benefits, risks, and alternatives to treatment, they have the right to choose any option they want, including no treatment.

The care you are provided by EMS is directly related to the level of the EMS provider. Paramedics will assess the patient=FEs blood glucose (via glucose meter or visual test strip if allowed in their locale) and administer glucose (if needed) or intravenous fluids.

No Consent, No Procedure

Usually, it is prosecuted only when the physical contact was harmful. The safe way to deal with a patient who refuses an IV is to persuade the patient to accept it.

Why do we change IV tubing every 72 hours? ›

Background. US Centers for Disease Control guidelines recommend replacement of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) no more frequently than every 72 to 96 hours. Routine replacement is thought to reduce the risk of phlebitis and bloodstream infection.

Nurses should restrict IV insertion attempts to no more than two attempts per clinician. Multiple unsuccessful attempts cause pain to the client, delay treatment, limit future vascular access, increase cost, increase the risk for complications, and decrease trust in the nurse.

The most commonly used crystalloid worldwide is normal saline which is used in the management and treatment of dehydration (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), metabolic alkalosis in the presence of fluid loss, and mild sodium depletion.

For severe dehydration, start IV fluids immediately. If the patient can drink, give ORS by mouth while the IV drip is set up. Ringer's lactate IV fluid is preferred. If not available, use normal saline or dextrose solution.

Before beginning IV therapy, there are a few things you should avoid. First, it is important to not eat or drink anything for at least two hours before the procedure. This includes water and chewing gum. Second, you should avoid wearing any jewelry or other items that may interfere with the insertion of the IV needle.

Intravenous (IV) therapy is administering fluids directly into a vein. It benefits treatment by enabling water, medication, blood, or nutrients to access the body faster through the circulatory system. IV therapy is the most common invasive procedure medical professionals use in healthcare.

There are very little side effects to IV therapy, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. There are risks of bruising, infection, vitamin overdoses, and vein inflammation, however, seeking out an experienced medical professional's assistance can combat these risks.