Name of the Procedure:

Intravenous Infusion, for Therapy, Prophylaxis, or Diagnosis; Concurrent Infusion

Summary

Intravenous infusion (IV infusion) involves administering fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a patient's bloodstream through a vein. Concurrent infusion means this IV infusion is provided alongside another primary procedure, such as administration of a different medication or treatment.

Purpose

The purpose of an IV infusion can vary widely, including:

• Treating dehydration by administering fluids.
• Delivering medications directly into the bloodstream to ensure rapid action.
• Providing nutritional support when oral intake is not possible.
• Administering diagnostic agents for imaging studies.

Indications

• Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
• Infections requiring antibiotics that are more effective intravenously.
• Chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
• Pain management for severe pain conditions.
• Nutritional deficiencies requiring parenteral nutrition.
• Diagnostic procedures requiring contrast agents.

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for a certain period before the procedure.
• Medication history will be reviewed, and adjustments may be necessary.
• Baseline vitals and sometimes blood tests will be taken.
• Patients should wear comfortable clothing and have someone to drive them home if sedatives are used.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider will clean the injection site, typically on the arm.
2. A sterile needle or catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted into a vein.
3. IV fluids, medications, or nutrients are attached to the catheter.
4. The flow of the infusion is carefully monitored and adjusted as needed.
5. Concurrent infusions are managed via a Y-site or multiple IV lines to ensure compatibility and appropriate dosing.

Tools and equipment used include:

• Sterile needles and IV catheters.
• IV bags containing fluids, medications, or nutrients.
• Infusion pumps to control the delivery rate.
• Monitoring devices for vital signs.

Duration

The duration of an IV infusion can vary:

• Short infusions may last 30-60 minutes.
• Longer therapeutic infusions can take several hours.
• Continuous infusions may be administered over several days.

Setting

• Hospital settings, including emergency rooms and inpatient units.
• Outpatient clinics and infusion centers.
• Home care settings with skilled nursing support.

Personnel

• Registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) typically administer the infusions.
• Physicians or nurse practitioners oversee the treatment plan.
• Pharmacists may be involved in preparing IV medications.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Pain, bruising, and swelling at the injection site.
• Less common: Infection at the injection site, vein inflammation (phlebitis), and allergic reactions.
• Rare but serious: Air embolism, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Benefits

• Rapid and efficient delivery of medications and fluids.
• Effective management of acute and chronic conditions.
• Precise and controlled administration of therapies. Benefit realization can vary from immediate relief in acute situations to long-term therapeutic effects in chronic treatments.

Recovery

• Most patients recover quickly with little to no downtime required.
• Post-procedure instructions might include hydration, monitoring the infusion site for signs of infection, and avoiding strenuous activity for a short period.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and manage any side effects.

Alternatives

• Oral medications or fluids.
• Subcutaneous or intramuscular injections.
• Enteral feeding options for nutritional support.
• Each alternative has specific pros and cons pertaining to the rate of absorption, convenience, and patient comfort.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel a pinprick sensation when the needle is inserted and possibly some discomfort at the injection site. Most infusions are relatively painless once underway. After the procedure, patients might experience temporary tenderness or bruising at the injection site. Pain management and comfort measures, including local anesthetics or cold packs, can be used to alleviate discomfort.