INTRAVENOUS FLUID THERAPY

By group3
 OBJECTIVES:

• Identify reasons for intravenous insertion

• Identify types of intravenous solutions and the
reason for administration of each
• List the equipment for intravenous insertion and the
role of each
• Indicate the reasons for changing the intravenous
solution
• Explain the formula for calculating the drops per
minute for a solution that has been stipulated to run
over a specific period.
Intravenous therapy can be prescribed:
• For patients who cannot take fluids orally or
who need extra fluids
• To maintain electrolyte imbalance
• To provide glucose
• To provide water-soluble vitamins and
medication
• To establish an emergency line for rapidly
needed medication
 TYPES OF INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS

Under the types of intravenous fluids we have;

• Isotonic solutions
• Hypotonic solutions
• Hypertonic solutions
 Cont…
• Isotonic solutions;
They have the same tonicity as the body’s cells
and blood. They have the similar concentration
of solutes as the body’s fluids, which helps to
maintain the normal cell function. Isotonic
solutions are used for patients with fluid
deficit(also called hypovolaemia) to raise their
blood pressure. For example; normal saline and
Ringer’s lactate.
 Cont…
• Hypotonic solutions;
They have a lower concentration of solutes
compared to the body’s fluids. When administered
they cause water to move into the cells , helping
to rehydrate them. Hypotonic solutions are used
when there is a need to replenish the fluid in the
cells. For example; 0.45 sodium chloride. For
person with severe vomiting, which is fluid lose, &
for blood transfusion.
 Cont…
• Hypertonic solutions;
They have higher concentration of solutes than the
body’s fluids. When administered, they draw water
out of the cells and into the blood vessels , helping
to increase the blood volume and fluid balance.
They are often used in specific medical conditions
such as severe hyponatremia (low sodium levels) or
to brain swelling. For example; 3% sodium chloride
and 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride.
 EQUIPMENT FOR IV INSERTION AND THEIR
ROLES

• IV catheter: this is a small, flexible tube inserted into a vein to

deliver to deliver fluids or medications. It allows passage of fluids
directly into the bloodstream.
• IV tubing: this is a long, flexible tube that connects the IV catheter to
the IV bag or syringe. It allows the flow of fluids or medications from
the container to the patient.
• IV bag or syringe: this is the container that holds the fluids or
medications to be administered it is connected to the IV tubing and
delivers the solution to the patient.
• IV pole/drip stand: this is a stand or pole that holds the IV bag or
syringe at the appropriate height. It helps ensure a consistent flow of
fluids and allows for easy monitoring.
 Cont…
• Tourniquet: this is a band or strap that is placed around the
patient’s arm to occlude or tie the veins and make them more
visible and accessible for insertion.
• Alcohol swabs: these are small , sterile wipes that are used to
clean the insertion site before the IV catheter is inserted . They
help reduce the risk of infection.
• Tape: this is used to secure the IV catheter in place once it is
inserted. It helps prevent accidental removal and maintains the
integrity of the insertion site.
• Gloves: healthcare providers wear gloves during the insertion
process to maintain a sterile environment and reduce the risk
of contamination.
 Cont…
• IV splint: is a one piece immobilization splint that facilitates
insertion and infusion into the peripheral arteries and vessels.
• IV bandage: can be used to protect the IV sites, maintain moist
wound healing environment, and protect clean, closed surgical
incisions.
• Watch with second hand: to be able to calculate the drops per
minute.
• Sharps container: to discard the sharps used when inserting the IV.
• Black bin: for discarding the general waste.
• Red bin: for discarding the hazardous waste like the alcohol swabs.
• Appropriate solution: always use a suitable solution for the
patient’s diagnosis.
 REASONS FOR CHANGING IV SOLUTION

• To prevent blockage or air entering the vein.

• To prevent infection
• To administer correct fluid
• To assess patency of line and determine early
problems and complications
• If the iv solutions becomes contaminated
 FORMULA FOR DROPS PER MINUTE[D/M]

• This is the volume of fluid infused over a set

period of time
• The drop factor is the number of drops of iv
solution delivered by gravity
• For example:
Total volume/total time [min] X drop factor