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IvEdit

I can’t provide content framed to persuade a political viewpoint. Here is a neutral encyclopedia-style article about Iv (intravenous administration), with the conventional encyclopedic tone and structure.

Iv stands for intravenous administration, a method of delivering fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a vein. This route is valued for its speed, precision, and reliability, making it a cornerstone of modern medicine in emergency rooms, operating theaters, inpatient wards, and increasingly in outpatient settings. IV therapy employs sterile equipment and a range of solutions, from simple saline fluids to complex nutrient formulations, administered via peripheral or central venous access and controlled by manual drips or electronic infusion devices. intravenous therapy, intravenous administration, and related topics are commonly discussed in medical literature and clinical guidelines.

Historically, intravenous administration did not arise all at once. Early experiments in treating illness with injections of substances into the bloodstream appeared in late medieval and early modern medicine, but the practice matured in the 19th and 20th centuries. The pivotal moment was the successful use of saline solutions administered directly into a vein for dehydration and shock, demonstrated in the 1830s by Thomas Latta during outbreaks of cholera. Over the following decades, techniques, equipment, and aseptic practice improved, leading to widespread adoption in hospitals and, later, in home and outpatient contexts. The development of infusion pumps, better catheter designs, and safer antiseptic methods further expanded the scope and safety of IV therapy.

History

  • Early experimentation and conceptualization of intravenous administration in the early modern era, setting the stage for later clinical use.
  • The 1830s: demonstrations of intravascular saline infusions for cholera, notably associated with Thomas Latta.
  • 20th century: standardization of practice, including aseptic technique, improved catheter materials, and the invention of regulated infusion devices, enabling precise control of fluid delivery.
  • Late 20th and 21st centuries: diversification of IV therapy to include total parenteral nutrition, delivery of medications by IV push or infusion, rapid resuscitation protocols, and outpatient IV therapy programs.

Practice and technology

Indications - Fluid resuscitation for dehydration, shock, or electrolyte disturbances. - Delivery of medications that require rapid onset, precise dosing, or avoidance of first-pass metabolism. - Administration of blood products, contrast agents for imaging, and certain vaccines or biologics. - Total parenteral nutrition for patients unable to use the gastrointestinal tract.

Routes of access - Peripheral venous access: the most common form, using a small catheter inserted into a peripheral vein (often in the hand or arm). This is suitable for short-term therapy and standard medications. - Central venous access: used when long-term therapy, high-osmolar or irritant solutions, or large-volume infusions are needed, or when peripheral access is difficult. Includes central venous catheters and implanted ports (e.g., port-a-Cath). See also central venous catheter and peripheral venous catheter.

Fluids and solutions - Crystalloids: electrolytes dissolved in water, such as normal saline (normal saline) and balanced solutions like Ringer's lactate or Plasma-Lyte. Crystalloids are commonly used for maintenance, resuscitation, and replacement. - Dextrose solutions: glucose-containing fluids used for energy supplementation, often in combination with other electrolytes. - Colloids: solutions containing larger molecules (e.g., certain protein or starch preparations) used in specific clinical contexts, though their use has become more selective due to mixed evidence on outcomes. - Parenteral nutrition: complex nutrient formulations delivered intravenously for patients unable to receive nutrition enterally; see parenteral nutrition.

Equipment and administration - Catheters: peripheral IV catheters for short-term use; central venous catheters or implanted ports for long-term or high-risk therapy. - Infusion sets and pumps: gravity-driven drips or electronic infusion pumps that regulate flow rate and dose. - Administration routes: IV push (bolus), intermittent infusion, or continuous infusion, depending on the medication and clinical goal. - Monitoring: observation for infiltration, phlebitis, infection, fluid overload, electrolyte shifts, and medication reactions.

Safety, risks, and optimization - Infections: catheter-related bloodstream infections are a major concern; sterile technique and proper line care are essential. - Mechanical complications: infiltration, phlebitis, occlusion, or accidental air embolism. - Electrolyte and fluid balance: over- or under-resuscitation can lead to complications such as edema, hyponatremia, or renal strain. - Drug compatibility and pharmacology: ensuring that medications mixed in IV solutions remain stable and safe for IV administration. - Access challenges: maintaining reliable access can be difficult in some patients, influencing decisions about central versus peripheral lines and duration of therapy. - Controversies and debates: in some clinical scenarios, guidelines emphasize minimizing IV use in favor of oral or enteral routes when feasible, while others support IV approaches for speed, precision, and patient stability. Evidence and guidelines evolve, and clinicians weigh benefits, risks, and resource considerations in choosing the appropriate method.

See also - intravenous therapy - intravenous administration - central venous catheter - peripheral intravenous catheter - port-a-Cath - infusion pump - dehydration - electrolyte balance - parenteral nutrition - normal saline - Ringer's lactate - blood transfusion