Intravenous (IV) lines are a common medical tool used to deliver fluids and medications directly into a patient’s bloodstream. Trained healthcare professionals perform this routine procedure. This article provides general information about IVs and their placement, and is for informational purposes only.
Understanding Intravenous Therapy
Intravenous therapy involves administering substances directly into a patient’s vein, allowing for rapid and effective delivery throughout the body. This method bypasses the digestive system, ensuring that substances enter the bloodstream quickly. The direct entry into the circulatory system allows for a higher percentage of the administered substance to be absorbed compared to oral intake. Healthcare providers use IV therapy for several reasons, including rehydration for severe fluid loss and the rapid delivery of medications like antibiotics or pain relief. It is also used for blood transfusions, providing essential nutrients for individuals unable to consume food or water orally, and correcting electrolyte imbalances.
Essential Equipment
Placing an intravenous line requires specific sterile equipment. A primary component is the IV catheter, a flexible plastic tube that comes mounted over a needle. The needle facilitates insertion into the vein, and once the catheter is in place, the needle is withdrawn, leaving only the soft cannula within the vein. A tourniquet is used to temporarily compress veins above the insertion site, making them more visible and palpable. Antiseptic wipes, such as those containing chlorhexidine or alcohol, are used to thoroughly clean the skin at the chosen site, minimizing the risk of infection. After insertion, a transparent dressing and medical tape secure the catheter to the skin, preventing dislodgement and maintaining a sterile environment. Finally, IV tubing connects the catheter to the fluid bag, which contains the prescribed solution, allowing for a controlled flow of fluids or medication into the bloodstream.
The Procedure Explained
Placing an intravenous line begins with preparation by a healthcare professional. They first assess the patient and select an appropriate vein, typically in the hand or arm, looking for one that is straight and easily accessible. Hand hygiene is performed, and necessary supplies, including the IV catheter, tourniquet, and antiseptic, are gathered.
Next, the healthcare professional applies a tourniquet above the chosen insertion site on the patient’s limb to make the veins more prominent. The skin over the selected vein is then meticulously cleaned with an antiseptic solution, using a circular motion and allowing it to air dry completely to ensure proper disinfection.
With the site prepared, the healthcare professional stabilizes the vein by stretching the skin taut and gently inserts the needle, with the bevel facing up, into the vein at a shallow angle, typically between 10 to 30 degrees. A “flashback” of blood indicates successful entry. Once flashback is observed, the healthcare professional advances the soft plastic cannula further into the vein while simultaneously withdrawing the needle. The needle is discarded into a sharps container.
After the catheter is fully advanced and the needle is removed, the tourniquet is released. The catheter is then secured to the skin using medical tape, often in a chevron pattern, and covered with a sterile transparent dressing to protect the insertion site and keep the catheter in place. Finally, the IV tubing is connected to the catheter hub, and the fluid flow is initiated, often regulated by a pump.
Patient Care and Considerations
After an intravenous line is placed, healthcare professionals monitor its function and the insertion site. Nurses regularly check the site for any signs of discomfort, such as mild tenderness or slight bruising, which can be common. They also ensure that the fluid is flowing correctly and that the site remains intact. The duration an IV might stay in place varies, but peripheral IVs are typically used for short-term treatments, often for a few days. When the IV is no longer needed, its removal is a quick process. Patients are advised to keep the IV site dry to prevent infection and should notify staff if they experience increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness at the site, or if a new lump or worsening bruising appears. These observations help ensure any issues are addressed promptly.