IV or infusion therapy is used to treat a variety of medical conditions. It’s usually administered in acute care settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics and long-term care centers.
What is IV Therapy?
It’s a medical procedure that delivers fluids, antibiotics and nutrients directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous injection. A doctor or specialist prescribes IV therapy based on your illness, type of medication and the duration of your treatment.
Who Can Use IV Therapy?
This type of therapy is used to treat short- and long-term conditions. IVs deliver pain medication, chemotherapy, nutritional support and hydration.
Conditions that require IV therapy include:
- Cancer
- Pneumonia
- Skin or wound infections
- Dehydration
- An immune or nutrition deficiency
- Kidney disease
- Blood loss
- Pain
Benefits of IV Therapy
Your body absorbs and metabolizes fluids faster with IV therapy, providing rapid relief for pain, dehydration, nutrient deficiencies and infections. It’s an essential procedure for emergency medical conditions that require immediate treatment.
Aside from the needle prick, IV therapy is almost completely painless. It’s an effective alternative to oral administration if you have trouble swallowing pills and liquids or have a sensitive digestive system.
IV treatment is provided in a clinical setting, and the equipment delivers precise dosing. The process is completed by trained medical staff who can help put your mind at ease and monitor your comfort level.
What to Expect During IV Therapy
A nurse or medical professional will disinfect and insert a hypodermic needle into the injection site, which is usually your forearm. IVs can also be placed in your wrist, hand or upper arm, depending on the size of your veins.
The needle is attached to a tube connected to an IV bag containing saline solution and medication or nutrients. Saline is a sterile liquid used to dilute IV substances before they absorb into your bloodstream.
IV therapy lasts roughly 30 minutes, but the length of treatment varies depending on your medical condition and the fluids and medication. The nurse will monitor your progress and check in periodically to ensure you’re comfortable and the IV equipment is functioning properly. After your treatment, the nurse will remove the needle from your arm and cover the injection site with a bandage.
Embassy Healthcare employs RNs, LPNs and medical support staff who are experienced in administering IV therapy to skilled nursing patients and assisted living residents, if necessary. Contact us online or call 216-378-2050 to learn more about our services.
