Introduction to Intravenous Therapy

Intravenous therapy is the method by which a Catheter/ cannula/ needle is inserted in to a vein to deliver fluid directly in to the blood stream. Vein is a collecting system of vessels for blood returning from the peripheries to the heart. All veins, except for the pulmonary veins, carry deoxygenated blood and carbon dioxide. Intravenous infusion is an injection of a solution such as normal saline in to vein usually in the arm (median basilica or median cephalic veins but veins at various areas can be used).

Intravenous insertion of cannula has the following purposes.

• To provide water, electrolytes, and nutrients to meet daily requirements
• To replace water and correct electrolyte deficit.
• To administer medications and blood products