Understanding IV Therapy
An IV therapy or Intravenous therapy is the act of putting liquid directly into a vein. This procedure is done by a certified nurse in IV therapy. This procedure is done for different reasons. It could be to administer medication, fluids, and blood transfusions. By administering these liquids directly into the vein allows them to work through the body faster.
A registered nurse or physician are trained to give IV therapies, LPN/LVN’s have to take a special class to be permitted to administer an IV therapy. This type of therapy is often referred to as a “drip” because usually it requires a drip chamber for the liquid to be administered into the blood at a certain rate. A hollow needle is inserted into the vein to allow the fluid to flow from the chamber into the vein
Medical professional are well trained in administering an IV therapy, however new professionals have a tendency to get nervous when they have to place the hypodermic needle into the patient. This is mainly because they are trained to help people and the pinch from the needle insertion can be uncomfortable to a lot. It can be difficult to find an individuals vein the first time, especially in older patients. This needle is hollow to allow the fluid to flow through it directly into the vein.
There is always a chance of experiencing complications with an IV therapy, this is why the administer should stay with the patient for a short time to make sure everything is going okay. Some complications associated with this therapy is an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to either the fluid or the needle. Symptoms of this complication are wheezing, rash, or fever to name a few. An infection is always possible due to the break in the skin. Some signs of infection are redness and fever. Vein inflammation and extravasasion can be a complications as well. Vein inflammation can take a few days before onset is noticed. Some signs of this condition is pain and swelling at the needle site. Vein extravasation happens when the fluid is leaking from the vein into surrounding tissue. Signs of this condition are swelling, pain, and burning around the IV site. Cool skin and tightness are also signs of this condition.
An experienced nurse can calm any fears one may have when it comes to receiving an IV therapy . The more experience one has administering an IV therapy the easier and usually safer the whole procedure is.
