Introduction 

Though many know what an IV is and have seen one in action, few understand how this vital piece of medical equipment functions. In the article below, we will explain how an IV does its job by taking you through each step of the process—one after another from start to finish!

How does an IV Work?

An intravenous (IV) system works by delivering fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein, bypassing the digestive system. 

What are the processes involved in IV therapy?

For IV therapy to work, a healthcare provider must do these things the right way:

1. Access a vein: Using a needle attached to a soft tube, insert it into a vein in the hand, arm, or foot. The vein choice depends on the patient’s condition, planned therapy, and finding good veins.
2. Keep the catheter in place: Once the catheter is successfully in a vein, remove the needle. Put tape or a see-through dressing on the skin to hold it.
3. Connect the IV tubing: Join the tubing (which holds medicine or fluids) to the catheter hub. There will be a clamp or regulator on the tubing to control flow rate.
4. Make sure the tubing is full and flowing correctly before connecting the medicine/liquid bag. To get rid of air bubbles, open clamp to let liquid go through. Stop just before it goes all the way out.
5. Start treatment going into the patient’s vein as ordered: Open clamp slowly so liquid goes at the correct rate from bag/syringe through the tubing to the patient.
6. Check patient often throughout treatment: Monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to make sure they are okay all the time. As the healthcare professional watches for swelling, pain, or leakage at the insertion site, they also keep an eye out for any possible complications.
7. Finishing Up: When all the fluid or medicine ordered has been given, the roller clamp is adjusted, or the flow regulator is turned off to stop the IV infusion. Next the IV tubing is disconnected from the catheter hub and the catheter is gently pulled out.
8. Covering the Site: A clean bandage is used to cover the spot where the catheter was removed. This helps the area heal and prevents infection. Sometimes, pressure needs to be applied to minimize bleeding.
9. Getting Rid of Supplies and Writing it Down: Everything that touches the patient’s blood, like needles, IV tubing, and catheters, must be put in a special biohazard container following hospital rules. Details about the IV are written on the patient’s chart so other caregivers know what happened during the treatment and how the patient responded.

Frequently asked questions 

Which fluids and medications can be delivered intravenously?

An extensive array of fluids, nutrients, and medications can be administered in this way. For example: chemotherapy drugs, saline solutions, vitamins, antibiotics, electrolyte solutions and pain relievers.

How do you control the flow of fluids during intravenous infusion?

Healthcare workers use a flow regulator or roller clamp on the tubing to control the flow. They adjust these components so that fluids/medications are delivered at the prescribed rate – safely and effectively.

Are there various kinds of access points for IVs?

Yes – some go into larger veins near the neck or chest (central venous catheters); others are placed in smaller ones found in the hands, arms, or feet. The choice between the two depends upon factors such as anticipated duration of treatment, planned therapy and patient condition.

Sources 

1. How does an IV work? https://infusionassociates.com/how-does-an-iv-work/. Accessed 2/15/2024.
2. Everything to know about intravenous injections. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/intravenous-injection. Accessed 2/15/2024.