How IV Infusion Works in a Patient

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How IV Infusion Works in a Patient IV (Intravenous) infusion means “into the vein”. Intravenous medication administration takes place when you insert a needle into a vein and medication is administered via that needle. IV infusions are used to administer drugs, blood, essential nutrients or fluid into a patient’s blood. It begins with the insertion of a needle into the patient’s vein through the skin. This hypodermic needle is attached to a tube that channels liquid from a bag that it is connected to. The liquid which contains one or more kinds of medication, is released into the tube gradually through a manual valve control system on the drip or through electronic pumping mechanisms. This liquid is channeled directly into the blood stream through the vein which sends the blood into the heart, where it is pumped to every part of the body. The medication reaches the areas affected and begins to carry out its corrective function in the body. Sometimes the IV is given to hydrate a severely dehydrated body, in which case all the cells are impacted by the infusion. IV administration is faster than any other method of administration because it flows directly into the blood stream, so it is used when rapid action of the drug is necessary. The needle is usually inserted into in a vein close to the elbow, the wrist, or placed on the back of the hand. IV infusion works effectively because gravity pushes the fluid down through the IV tubing into the patient's vein. The higher the bag is hung, the greater the gravitational pressure on the IV fluid to flow downward through the tubing. To get enough pressure for gravity to force the fluid into the vein at a constant rate, the IV bag needs to be hung high. So, all IV bags must be hung above the ... ... middle of paper ... ...kly administer medication to a patient that is in urgent need of it. How this medication ends up in the blood stream to effect a change in a patient’s body is determined by the adherence to the standard steps of inserting an IV. This includes finding a peripheral or central vein; inserting a hypodermic needle; and regulating the amount of fluid that goes into the blood stream from the bag containing the liquid medication or nutrients. The IV infusion must be monitored intermittently to ensure that the needle does not become dislodged from the vein and pours its contents into surrounding tissue. This could lead to irritation, pain and other symptoms. Also the rate of infusion must be appropriate for the medication being given because too much infusion can cause other problems for the patient. Works Cited • http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-intravenous-fluids.htm

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