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Intravenous Information:
Definition:
Within a vein. Usually refers to the administration of medications or solutions (fluids) through a needle or tube inserted into a vein, which allows immediate access to the blood supply.
With the equipment shown here, a person can have blood drawn or blood can be given (transfusion).
When fluids, antibiotics or other medications must be given in the blood stream (intravenously - IV), small catheters can be placed in surface veins. Typical IV sites include the back of the hand, forearm, and the inner side of the elbow (antecubital fossa). In infants, veins in the scalp may be used. This picture shows a small angiocath taped in place.
Automated IV pumps are designed to deliver very accurate amounts of fluid over a period of time. They are used extensively in hospitals and have replaced the older "drip method" in which the volume delivered to the patient was calculated by the number of drips per minute.
When IV fluids, antibiotics, and other medications must be given to an infant, the scalp provides accessible veins. In this photograph, a small intravenous catheter has been inserted in a scalp vein and fluids and antibiotics are being given.
Infants have very small veins. When intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and other medications must be given, IV access routes must be available. In this photograph, a small intravenous catheter has been placed in the back of the infant's hand. This route may last for several days or it may be changed sooner due to clotting of the vein.
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