Hospital Ivs: Who Needs Them And Why?

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common procedure in hospitals, with over 90% of hospitalized patients receiving an IV as part of their care. IV therapy is the delivery of fluids, blood, or medication directly into a patient's bloodstream through a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). While IV therapy is essential for some patients, such as those with severe dehydration, those undergoing surgery, or those requiring emergency medication, it is not always medically necessary for everyone. Some patients may have idle PIVCs inserted just in case, which can lead to increased infection rates and unnecessary pain and resource waste. As such, it is important to consider alternatives to IV therapy, such as oral medication and fluids, and to remove PIVCs when they are no longer needed.

IVs are useful for treating dehydration

IVs are a common procedure, with over 90% of hospitalised patients receiving one as part of their care. They are used to deliver fluids, blood, or medication directly into a patient's bloodstream. IVs are useful for treating dehydration as they deliver fluid directly into a vein, which is the fastest and most efficient way to replace fluids in the body. This is especially important for patients who are dangerously dehydrated and need fluids replaced immediately, such as those who are fainting or experiencing symptoms of heat stroke.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses water and electrolytes faster than it can take them in, which can lead to serious health problems. IV fluids are specially formulated liquids that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. They are used in people of all ages who are sick, injured, dehydrated from exercise or heat, or undergoing surgery. Intravenous rehydration is a simple, safe, and common procedure with a low risk of complications.

IV fluids can also be used to treat mild cases of electrolyte depletion. Electrolytes are important minerals that help maintain the balance of fluids in the body. When the body becomes dehydrated, it can experience an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as it tries to maintain adequate blood flow to organs. IV fluids that contain electrolytes, such as crystalloids, can help to quickly and effectively replenish fluids and electrolytes, which can help to slow down a rapid heart rate and improve urine output.

In addition to treating dehydration, IVs can also provide other benefits that make them more efficient than just drinking water. IV fluids can contain vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, which can help improve overall health and ensure the body is performing at its best. Regular IV fluid hydration can be an effective strategy for maintaining optimal fluid levels, especially for those who are at risk for dehydration, such as older individuals, those who engage in strenuous exercise, or those with conditions like diabetes.

They can also be used for medication

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common procedure in hospitals, with over 90% of hospitalised patients receiving an IV as part of their care. While IV therapy is often used to deliver fluids and maintain hydration, it can also be used to administer medication.

IV medication is often used because it helps control the medication dosing. In emergency situations, such as a heart attack, stroke, or poisoning, IV administration is the fastest way to get medication into the bloodstream. For example, during surgery, having an IV in place allows providers to deliver emergency drugs quickly and efficiently when they are needed. Additionally, some medications may need to be given slowly but constantly, and IV administration can provide a controlled way to give drugs over time.

IV medication is also useful when a patient is unable to take medication by mouth or topically. For instance, many chemotherapy regimens, blood/blood product transfusions, and antibiotic/antifungal therapies require more potent agents than can be given orally.

There are different types of IV catheters used for medication administration. Standard IV lines are typically used for short-term needs, such as during a short hospital stay to administer medication during surgery. A standard IV catheter is inserted into a vein in the wrist, elbow, or the back of the hand, and can typically be used for up to four days. On the other hand, long-term medication treatment, such as chemotherapy, usually requires a central venous catheter (CVC) instead of a standard IV catheter. A CVC can be inserted into a vein in the neck, chest, arm, or groin area and can stay in place for several weeks or even months.

To administer IV medications safely and effectively, healthcare agencies have policies in place, and medications that may be given intravenously are specified in the Parenteral Drug Therapy Manual (PDTM). Only specific medications may be administered via the direct IV route, and there are advantages and disadvantages to this method. One advantage is that IV administration eliminates the process of drug absorption and breakdown, resulting in immediate elevation of serum levels and high concentration in vital organs. However, this can also lead to both therapeutic and adverse effects occurring quickly.

IVs are often used for blood transfusions

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common procedure in hospitals, with over 90% of hospitalized patients receiving an IV as part of their care. IV therapy is the delivery of fluids, blood, or medication directly into a patient's bloodstream through their veins. This makes IV therapy incredibly effective for patients who need rapid delivery of drugs or other IV fluids.

There are different types of blood transfusions, including whole blood transfusions and transfusions of specific blood components. Red blood cells, for example, are transfused to carry oxygen throughout the body, while platelets help control bleeding due to a low platelet count. Plasma, another blood component, also helps prevent bleeding and carries nutrients that the body needs.

Before a blood transfusion, the tubing is primed with an isotonic, calcium-free, blood-compatible solution, such as normal saline. The suggested equipment for a blood transfusion includes central venous access devices or peripheral intravenous catheters, with the size depending on the patient's needs. The procedure typically takes between one and three hours, and the patient is recommended to rest for 24 to 48 hours afterward.

While blood transfusions are generally safe, there is a small risk of complications and reactions, such as hemolytic transfusion reactions, which can feel like allergies. These reactions can occur during the transfusion or up to several months later, and it is important to seek medical attention if any unusual symptoms or side effects are experienced.

They are a key component of surgical procedures

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common medical technique used to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient's bloodstream through a vein. It is a crucial part of modern medicine, with over 90% of hospitalized patients receiving an IV as part of their care. IV therapy is especially important during surgical procedures, as it provides the necessary fluids and medications to support the body before, during, and after surgery.

During surgery, an IV can be used to administer anesthesia and keep the patient asleep and safe during the procedure. It is also used to deliver pain medications, antibiotics, and other vital fluids. Having an IV in place allows providers to deliver emergency drugs quickly and efficiently when they are needed. For example, in the case of a patient experiencing nausea after surgery, medication to alleviate this feeling can be administered through the IV line.

IV therapy is also essential for maintaining a patient's hydration, electrolyte, and blood sugar levels during surgery. Warmed IV fluids can be administered directly into the patient's bloodstream to prevent a decrease in body temperature, which is common while a patient is sedated. Additionally, IV therapy can be used to provide nutrition to patients who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements through oral intake alone, such as those with a non-functioning gastrointestinal tract or disorders requiring total bowel rest.

The procedure for inserting an IV typically involves disinfecting the skin, using a tourniquet to make the veins more visible, examining the veins to find the insertion site, inserting a sterile needle into the vein, and connecting the needle to a tube and bag of fluids. While IV therapy is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of, such as air embolisms, collapsed veins, fluid overload, hematomas, and infections.

Overall, IV therapy plays a crucial role in surgical procedures, providing rapid and controlled delivery of essential substances to support the patient's health and well-being.

IVs are not always necessary and can be a waste of resources

IVs are a common procedure in hospitals, with over 90% of hospitalised patients receiving one as part of their care. However, this does not mean they are always necessary, and their use can sometimes be a waste of resources.

IVs are often used to treat dehydration, but this is not always the best course of action. While it is true that IV therapy is the fastest and most efficient way to replace fluids in the body, not everyone who is dehydrated needs to seek medical treatment for an IV. In most cases, people who are dehydrated can simply drink fluids to rehydrate. This is a reasonable alternative to IV fluids and is the best way to get fluids if you are able to drink. In addition, IVs carry a small risk of infection, vein inflammation, or blockage with a clot, which is not a concern when drinking fluids.

IVs are also commonly used to administer medications, but again, this is not always necessary. Most medications can be taken by mouth or topically, and IV administration is usually only necessary for chemotherapy, blood transfusions, or antibiotic/antifungal therapy requiring more potent agents than can be given orally. In stable patients, there is rarely a need for emergency access, and appropriate vascular access can be inserted when needed.

The overuse of IVs can lead to unnecessary pain for patients, as well as wasting staff time and hospital resources. For example, if a PIVC has been indwelling for more than a day without use, it may not function effectively when accessed, requiring a new one to be inserted. In addition, idle catheters can increase the risk of bloodstream infection, with up to one-fourth of PIVCs being inserted but never used.

In conclusion, while IVs can be a necessary and life-saving treatment in some situations, they are not always needed and can sometimes do more harm than good. It is important to consider alternative treatments, such as oral medications and fluids, whenever possible to avoid the potential risks and waste associated with unnecessary IV use.

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