Intravenous therapy – Ongo Care

Who would benefit from IV Therapy?

IV (intravenous) therapy is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions and can benefit a variety of patients. Here are some of the prime uses of IV therapy and who may benefit from this treatment:

• Dehydration: IV therapy can help replenish fluids and electrolytes in patients who are dehydrated due to illness, exercise, or other causes. Athletes, individuals with gastrointestinal illnesses, and patients with chronic conditions that cause dehydration may benefit from IV therapy.
• Infections: IV therapy can be used to deliver antibiotics and other medications directly into the bloodstream to treat infections, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
• Cancer: IV therapy is commonly used to administer chemotherapy and other cancer treatments that target cancer cells throughout the body.
• Nutrient deficiencies: IV therapy can be used to deliver vitamins and also nutrients directly into the bloodstream to treat deficiencies, such as low levels of iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium.
• Autoimmune diseases: IV therapy can be used to deliver immunosuppressive medications and other treatments to patients with autoimmune diseases.
• Chronic pain: IV therapy can be used to deliver pain medication and other treatments to patients with chronic pain conditions, which include fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome.

IV therapy can benefit a wide range of patients with different medical conditions. If you have a medical condition that requires IV therapy, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if this treatment is appropriate for your condition.

What is the process of IV Therapy?

• Assessment: Before administering IV therapy, a healthcare provider will assess the patient’s medical history, current condition, and any medications they are taking to determine if IV therapy is appropriate.
• Preparation: The healthcare provider will prepare the IV solution or medication, which is typically a sterile solution or suspension that is delivered through a plastic tube called an IV catheter.
• Insertion: The healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in the patient’s arm or hand, which is then connected to the IV catheter. The healthcare provider may apply a topical anesthetic or use a smaller needle to minimize discomfort during the insertion process.
• Adjustment: The healthcare provider will adjust the flow rate of the IV based on the patient’s condition and the medication being administered. They will also monitor the patient’s vital signs and adjust the IV flow rate as needed to ensure the patient is receiving the appropriate amount of fluids or medication.
• Monitoring: The patient will be monitored throughout the IV therapy session to ensure that they are tolerating the treatment well and to detect any potential complications, such as infiltration or infection.
• Completion: Once the IV therapy is complete, the IV care provider will remove the IV catheter and needle from the patient’s arm or hand. The patient may be asked to apply pressure to the insertion site to minimize bleeding or bruising.

The process of IV fluid therapy is relatively straightforward and typically takes less than an hour to complete. However, the length of the session may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the type of IV therapy being administered. It is important for patients to follow all instructions provided by their healthcare provider before, during, and after intravenous IV therapy to ensure the best possible outcomes.

What Is An IV Push?

An IV push, also known as an IV bolus or push injection, is a type of IV (intravenous) therapy that involves the rapid administration of medication directly into the bloodstream. In an IV push, the medication is delivered through a syringe that is connected to the IV catheter, and the medication is pushed through the catheter using a plunger.

IV push is commonly used to deliver medications that need to take effect quickly, such as pain medication or anti-nausea medication. It can also be used to deliver emergency medications, such as epinephrine, to treat severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.

During an IV push, the intravenous care provider will carefully monitor the patient’s vital signs and adjust the medication dose and rate of administration as needed to ensure the medication is delivered safely and effectively. The healthcare provider may also flush the IV catheter with saline solution before and after the medication is administered to ensure that the catheter is clear and free of blockages.

While IV push can be an effective way to deliver certain medications, it is important for patients to follow all instructions provided by their healthcare provider and report any symptoms or side effects they experience during or after the intravenous treatment. In some cases, IV push can cause adverse reactions or complications, such as vein irritation, infection, or allergic reactions, so it is important for patients to be closely monitored during and after the treatment.

Essential Points to Consider When Planning an IV Therapy!

• Medical history: It is important for patients to provide their complete medical history to their healthcare provider, including any medications they are taking and any medical conditions they have, to ensure that the IV therapy is safe and effective for them.
• Purpose of the therapy: The purpose of the IV therapy should be clearly defined, and the specific nutrients and medications to be administered should be selected based on the patient’s individual needs and goals.
• Dosage and frequency: The dosage and frequency of the IV therapy should be determined based on the patient’s individual needs and health status. The healthcare provider should carefully monitor the patient’s response to the therapy and adjust the dosage and frequency as needed.
• Quality and safety: The IV therapy should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional using sterile equipment and high-quality nutrients and medications to ensure safety and efficacy.
• Patient monitoring: Patients receiving IV therapy should be closely monitored during and after the treatment to ensure that they are responding well to the therapy and to identify any potential adverse reactions or complications.
• Follow-up care: Patients should be provided with clear instructions on how to care for the IV site and how to manage any potential side effects or complications that may arise after the treatment. Follow-up appointments should be scheduled as needed to monitor the patient’s response to the therapy and adjust the treatment plan as needed.