To stay healthy, our bodies need essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fluids that they can’t always get from food and drinks. Intravenous (IV) therapy is one of the advanced scientific methods used to provide those critically important substances directly into our bloodstream.
The majority of people learn about IV therapy in the hospital, but it isn’t only used to treat serious medical issues. Thanks to recent medical discoveries and improved technology, it can now be used to improve physical and mental health in multiple ways.
Whether you are an athlete looking for a performance-enhancing boost or looking for age-defying remedies, this therapy works to replenish your body with the nutrients it needs to maintain or regain its vitality. Different types of IV therapy are used to meet various needs, from treating cancer and dehydration to providing energy boosts and vitamins to boost mood and energy levels.
This article will explore the various types of IV therapy available today and the effects they have on overall health. Before delving into the benefits, let’s begin by first understanding what intravenous therapy is and how it works.
1. Intravenous Push
An intravenous (IV) push is an injection of medication into the veins, usually given over a short period of time lasting no more than 15 to 20 seconds. This method of delivery is often used for medications that need to be administered quickly and doses that are too small for an IV drip. The treatment comes with a few easy steps:
- Prepare the medication – Whichever medication is being administered needs to be mixed into a solution for the injection.
- Gather necessary materials – Necessary materials include an IV line with a needle, alcohol swabs, and the medication.
- Clean the site – Clean the area near the vein with an alcohol swab to ensure proper adherence throughout the course of administering the medication.
- Attach the needle – Once everything is ready the needle must be attached to the IV line and the medication can be injected through the needle into the vein.
- Monitor the patient – Monitor the patient for any reactions or side effects and be ready to offer assistance if needed.
2. Intravenous Piggyback
(IVPB) is a type of IV administration of medication that is used when a patient needs frequent, repeated doses of a medically necessary drug. It is also known as infusion. This method of IV drug delivery is commonly used in the administration of antibiotics, antifungal medications, certain pain medications, and other intravenous medications. The IVPB method involves connecting a second IV line to an existing line of medication. In this way, medications can be discreetly delivered to the patient in a shorter amount of time.
Benefits of IVPB include:
- Less disruption to the patient than having to adjust an IV infusion every time the dose is changed.
- IVPB lines can be used for long-term medications that need to be administered quickly and reliably.
- Slower and more gradual delivery of medication than with a traditional IV infusion.
- More accurate dosage control.
3. Intravenous Lock
An is a medical device used to secure a catheter in place, ensuring that it stays connected to the patient for long periods of time and doesn’t slip or disconnect. It also prevents tampering with the device and ensures medication can be administered when needed. These locks are typically constructed from plastic, metal, or a combination of both, and configured in several different shapes and sizes.
Some of the major features of an you’ll need to consider are:
- Pressure setting
- Size
- Material type
- Chemical compatibility
- Catheter compatibility
Choosing the right type of can be tricky, but can make all the difference between successful and unsuccessful treatments. Luckily, there are many different options available, so it’s easy to find a device that works well for your specific needs.
4. Intravenous Flush
An is an important medical procedure to keep an intravenous (IV) line clean and clear. IV lines come with many benefits, but they must be cared for properly to keep them in working order. An IV flush helps prevent clogging and contamination. Here are the steps to do it correctly:
- Choose the appropriate flush solution or medication
- Attach a needle to the IV line tubing
- Fill the syringe with the flush solution or medication
- Disinfect the top of the IV line
- Inject the flush solution or medication
- Discard the syringe safely
Following these steps will ensure that the IV line remains unclogged and clear of any contaminants.
5. Intravenous Bolus
An is a quick, one-time administration of a large dose of medication in an IV line. It is often used as a treatment for life-threatening conditions where an immediate response is required. It can also be used to quickly restore electrolyte balance or to replenish fluids.
The main advantages of administering are:
- Speed andimmediacy – The medicine is delivered quickly and directly into the bloodstream.
- Accuracy – Bypassing the digestive system means that precise, accurate dosages can be administered.
- Flexibility – The dosage can readily be adjusted, as required, during the treatment.
6. Intravenous Continuous Infusion
When conventional drug administration is not an option, a continuous intravenous infusion might be the best choice for medication delivery. This type of technique works by inserting a small needle into the patient’s vein and connecting it to a fluid-filled bag containing the medication.
As the bag empties, more fluid is released through the needle and enters the patient’s bloodstream continuously over the course of the infusion. It’s important to be mindful of the specific properties of each drug when administering, as they can differ in how they interact with intravenous fluid, how much fluid is needed, and appropriate infusion rates.
- Benefits: allows delivery of fluids and drugs over a longer period of time, reduces frequency of administration, and provides flexibility of dose and timing.
- Drawbacks: risk of infection, air embolism, local irritation and tissue damage.
7. Intravenous Intermittent Infusion
Intravenous Intermittent Infusion refers to the administration of medication over an extended period of time. It is often used when a quick-acting drug is not required or when other routes of administration are not suitable. The benefits of employing this technique include:
- Accurate dosing: Providing a precise dosage of medication is important to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
- Ease of Application: Administering medication without having to consistently interact with the patient makes medications administration easier.
- Cost Effective: The cost-effectiveness of combinations can make them a preferred choice for long-term administration of certain medications.
Careful consideration must be taken when using this technique to ensure patient safety and efficacy of the medication.
8. Intravenous Direct-Push
Intravenous Direct-Push offers a fast and effective method of delivery for medicines and other medical products. It enables immediate medication delivery via the veins and provides direct access to the bloodstream. The benefits of this route of delivery makes it a viable choice for those requiring quick medical relief. Some of the advantages of are:
- Timely action: Delivering medication directly via the veins results in rapid absorption and timely action, making it suited for emergency situations.
- Easy access: Medicines delivered via IV direct-push have direct access to the bloodstream, eliminating the need for digestion, making it a convenient option.
- Variable doses: By administering variable doses of medicines through IV direct-push, it is possible to adjust the concentration of medications for individual patients.
9. Intravenous Slow Continuous Infusion
(SCI) is a technique that delivers medication through an IV at a slow, steady rate. It can provide many benefits, including:
- Safety: Slow infusion helps minimize risk of overdosing, as drugs are loaded and released over a longer period of time.
- Flexibility: SCI allows providers to adjust infusion rates and doses as needed.
- Convenience:Oftentimes, medication can be given for longer periods of time leading to fewer treatments.
Ultimately, SCI is an effective and reliable way to administer medication that can provide optimal results for many types of treatments.
10. Intravenous Catheter Flushing
Having a nasogastric tube requires regular flushing with saline to ensure that the tube remains unobstructed. Intravenous catheters are similar and will also require regular flushes to keep them clean and functioning properly. Here are 10 steps for efficiently flushing an intravenous catheter:
- Step 1: Gather your equipment: 10 ml syringe, 10 ml sterile water, filter, alcohol swab and gauze
- Step 2: Clean the catheter entry site with an alcohol swab
- Step 3: Unscrew the cap leading to the catheter
- Step 4: Attach the filter to the catheter
- Step 5: Attach the 10 ml syringe to the filter
- Step 6: Draw 10 ml of sterile water into the syringe
- Step 7: Gently and slowly inject the sterile water into the catheter
- Step 8: Gently pull back on the syringe to aspirate any blood or debris
- Step 9: Disconnect the syringe and filter
- Step 10: Cover the catheter entry site with a clean gauze to absorb any remaining fluids
Intravenous therapies are an essential part of modern medical treatment. With a variety of options available, you can find the right one for you depending on the requirement. Whether it’s for hydration, medication, or nutrition, there’s an IV therapy out there that can help.
Many have experienced the benefits of IV therapies firsthand, and the results are clear – they’re an effective way to provide treatment that’s tailored to the individual.
As medical technology continues to advance, so too will the variety of intravenous therapies and their ability to help people. No matter the situation, IV therapy employs the power of precision and convenience to deliver the best possible outcome for the patient.