Today is our topic of discussion Intravenous Injection.
Intravenous Injection
INTRAVENOUS INJECTION
Intravenous injection (IV) is the introduction of a small quantity of drug into the vein by venous puncture. Introduction of drug directly into the bloodstream is called intravenous injection.
Purpose
- To have a fast action of the medicine as in emergency
- To give medicines those are irritating or ineffective when given by other routes
- To have the action of medicines on the blood stream or the blood vessels.
Common Sites for IV Injection
- Ventral aspect of elbow or forearm median cubical, basilica or cephalic veins
- Doral aspect of hand-brachial, cephalic or metacarpal veins
- In the infants the scalp vein is used.
General Instructions
- Expel the air from the syringe before giving the injection by holding it in upright position and gently pressing the piston until a drop of solution comes to the tip of the needle.
- Always dissolve the drug in correct amount of fluid to minimize the risk of adverse effect of the medicine
- Observe the patient closely for the signs of adverse reaction of the medicine and have emergency drugs and the antidote in hand while injecting the medicine
- Do not give the medicine if the injection site shows any edema or intravenous solution is not following properly to avoid accidental administration of medicine into the surrounding tissues
- When giving iron preparation always confirms that the patient is not sensitive to it by giving a test dose.
Types of IV Administration
- Adding the medicine in intravenous solution bottle (intravenous infusion)
- Existing intravenous line for continuous infusion
- Bolus: Direct intravenous push for immediate or fast action.
Selection of Syringe and Needle
- The size of syringe used for intravenous infusion depends upon the amount of fluids to be injected
- Size of the needle used are 18 to 21 gauge or 1 to 2 inches
Preliminary Assessment
- Check
- The diagnosis and age of the patient
- The purpose of injection
- The doctors order for the type, dosage, time and route of administration
- The patient’s name and bed number
- The nurses record to find out the time at which the last dose was given
- The symptoms of overdose or allergic reaction
- The necessity for giving test dose
- The form of the medicine available and correct method of administration
- The level of consciousness of the patient
- The site and previous experience of the patient.
Equipment
A tray containing:
- Syringe and needles of various sizes according to the need in a covered tray (sterile)
- Transfer forceps in a jar containing antiseptic solution
- Sterile cotton swabs and gauze pieces in sterile containers
- Methylated spirit in a container
- Bowl with water
- Tourniquet
- Water for injection
- Drug order sheet
- File to cut open the ampoules
- Small covered tray (sterile).
Preparation of the Patient and Environment
- Identify the patient correctly
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Provide privacy
- Place the patient in comfortable and relaxed position suitable of intravenous injection
- Select a site suitable for the route of administration, quantity of medication to be given and characteristics of medication.
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