Summary

In study session VIII you have learnt

• 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 to provide water, electrolytes, and nutrients to meet daily requirements and administer medications and blood products
• A good vein is bouncy, soft, refills when depressed, visible, has a large lumen, well supported by surrounding tissues and straight. Many sites can be used for IV therapy- the metacarpal, cephalic, basilic, and median veins as well as their branches are recommended sites because of their size and ease of access.
• Intravenous therapy equipments which include clean tray, intravenous solution containers, administration, IV stands, IV needles or catheters, antiseptic solutions, adhesive tape, tourniquet should be selected and assembled before initiating the procedure.
• Psychological and physical preparation of the patient should precede before venipuncture. The procedure of inserting IV cannula has to be done in sterile sequence.
• After the IV has been started, maintain the infusion by regulating the flow rate. The number of drops per minute is calculated by multiplying the milliliters per hour by the drip factor and divide by the number of minutes.
• Complication of intravenous therapy such as infiltration, obstruction, thrombophlebitis, pyrogenic reaction, air embolism and drug reaction may occur and immediate management