Safety and Best Practices in IV Therapy

Intravenous or IV therapy is the practice of administering fluids directly into the bloodstream via an IV route. This is performed because the method is easy and the medication or nutrients within the solution reach the body at a faster rate. Several benefits can be achieved with this technique which involve the management of dehydration, delivery of certain medications such as analgesics and antibiotics, administration of total parenteral nutrition, treatment of electrolyte imbalances, etc. However, being an invasive procedure, IV therapy often brings some risks.

In this article, let us discuss some of the common risks associated with IV therapy and the best practices that can be adopted to maximize the benefits of IV therapy while minimizing the risks.

Risks Associated with IV Therapy

Despite its vast applications in healthcare facilities, IV therapy has been associated with some risks which majorly include the following:

1.      Infections

Infections are common to occur with the use of IV drip assembly. This is because bacteria are everywhere around us and they enter the bloodstream whenever our skin is punctured. As healthcare facilities have a higher microbial burden, the risk of contracting an infection rises further. Therefore, it is essential for the IV drip set as well as the IV solutions to be completely sterile. The symptoms associated with such infections are:

• Pain at the site of venipuncture
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Fever
• Chills
• Skin scabbing
• Swelling
• Redness and swelling

2.      Air Embolism

Air embolism is a condition in which air is entered into the veins via an IV line. This air blocks the blood vessels which restricts circulation. Depending upon the amount of air, air embolism varies in the health risks it poses. From minor issues such as weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea to major ones which involve reduced cardiac output as well as the occurrence of seizures.

Moreover, death can also occur in severe cases of air embolism when the air reaches the brain, lungs, or heart. If a patient has an air embolism, the following symptoms can give away the issue:

• Tremors
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Stress
• Joint ache
• Troubled breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Bluish appearance of the skin

3.      Phlebitis

Phlebitis is the swelling of the vein through which the IV therapy is administered. This can either happen due to the improperly sterilized needle which can introduce bacteria into the vein or because of the contents of the IV therapy, in addition, phlebitis also occurs due to puncturing of veins during needle insertion. Common symptoms that appear when phlebitis occurs include:

• Pain in the target area
• Swelling
• Feeling of warmth
• Tenderness
• Redness

4.      Collapsed or Blown Vein

In patients who are administered with IV solutions for a long time, the risk of a collapsed vein becomes prominent. This happens when the needle is being placed into the vein. In such cases, the IV therapy needs to be discontinued. Collapsed vein is often associated with:

• Coldness of the feet and hand
• Poor blood circulation
• Itching
• Swelling
• Pain
• Discoloration

5.      Hematoma Formation

Hematoma is the clotting of blood which gives a bruise-like appearance. This usually happens when the blood from the punctured vein leaks into the surrounding tissue causing it to swell. Hematomas are painful for the patient and require medical attention. Their symptoms involve:

• Discoloration of the skin
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Stinging sensation

6.      Hypervolemia or Fluid Overload

Hypervolemia or fluid overload is a condition in which the patient’s body has so much water due to IV therapy that it becomes risky. This is because IV solutions are rich in salts which tend to keep the water inside the body for the purpose of rehydration. However, the condition becomes complicated if too much water is trapped in the body. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Labored breathing
• Bloating
• Stomach cramping
• Edema in face, wrists, as well as neck veins

7.      Hypersensitivity

The patient may be sensitive either to the contents of the IV solution or the material of the IV drip set. As a result, redness, itching, and pain are the common symptoms that appear in the area. Usually, these issues are resolved as soon as the therapy is discontinued but in case of a serious allergic reaction, your healthcare provider might change the IV solution, medications, or the route of drug administration.

How to Mitigate Complications Related to IV Solutions?

For the mitigation of the above-mentioned complications associated with IV therapy, the following should be kept in mind:

Ensure Sterility of Medical Supplies

The sterility of the IV solutions as well as the IV drip set should never be compromised.

Employment of Closed Infusion System

The use of a closed infusion system helps mitigate the risk of air embolism. In addition, self-collapsible bags are also suitable for this purpose.

Proper Needle Removal

While removing the IV drip set, gentle pressure should be applied to the needle. This will help prevent the leakage of blood within the nearby tissues thus preventing hematomas.

Manage IV Fluids Volume

For the prevention of hypervolemia, it is essential to keep track of sodium levels in the body.

Best Practices for Storing, Handling, and Administering IV Solutions

Storage

For proper storage of IV therapy solutions, the following conditions should be met:

• Temperature of the storage area should be between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in a cool and dry place.
• Avoid storing IV solutions on the floor. Keep them in airtight containers.
• IV solutions should not be frozen.

Handling

While handling IV solutions, keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Before handling solutions for IV therapy, the healthcare provider should wash their hands thoroughly.
• Open IV bags should be discarded immediately as they can have microbes.

Administration

For administering IV therapy, follow the given guidelines:

• The expiration date of the IV solutions should be checked.
• Prepare the IV bag.
• Select a target site for venipuncture and disinfect the area. The ideal locations can be on the back of the hand, elbow, or wrists.
• Insert the needle and push a catheter in.
• Once the catheter is in place, withdraw the needle.
• Connect the catheter with the bag of IV solution.
• Set a flow rate and start the infusion.
• If the patient is allergic to the contents of the IV solution, discontinue IV therapy.

Solutions for IV Therapy at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

IV solutions are a combination of different salts and electrolytes that can be administered into the blood vessels. For this purpose, IV tubing is inserted into the patient’s veins. This pathway bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and thus delivers medications as well as nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

As IV solutions are extensively used in healthcare facilities, the following section highlights different types of IV solutions that are available at Health Supply 770 along with their features and purchase links:

B. Braun L8000 Replacement Preparation Sodium Chloride, Preservative Free 0.9% IV Solution Flexible Bag 1,000 mL 12 EA/CA

US$529.88

Product Details

Braun L8000 replacement preparation is an IV solution containing sodium chloride in a concentration of 0.9%. The product contains sterile water for injection as its vehicle. Owing to its salt concentration, the solution is well-known as normal saline or NS.

In addition, to increase the safety of the patient and for the sake of prevention of infections at the IV insertion site, the product has been kept sterile and free from any preservatives or additives.

This IV solution can either be administered to replenish the lost electrolytes and restore balance as well as can also serve as a base for IV medication delivery. The product comes in a flexible plastic bag which is non-toxic and safe.

B. Braun L5101 Dextrose Water 5% IV Solution Flexible Bag 500 mL CS/24

US$377.88

Product Details

Braun L5101 dextrose water 5% IV solution contains 5 grams of dextrose per 1000 ml of the solution. As dextrose can be metabolized by the body to produce calories, the solution is injected when a patient needs energy. Moreover, the product also elevates the patient’s blood glucose level which is required for managing conditions like unconsciousness or severe dehydration.

The product is available in flexible plastic IV bags each of which contains 500 ml of the solution. The packaging is non-toxic and does not leach chemicals into the solution which may cause issues upon intravenous access.

B. Braun L7500: Lactated Ringer’s Solution IV 1000 mL CS/12

US$533.33

Product Details

Braun L7500 lactated Ringer’s solution has sodium chloride, potassium chloride, as well as sodium lactate as active electrolytes. Owing to this specific combination, Ringer’s lactate solution is ideal for the management of several medical conditions. Being sterile, the product is also free from microbes and does not put the patient at risk by causing infections upon venous access.

Each pack contains 1000 ml of the IV solution which can be administered to achieve alkalosis once the body is in a state of acidosis. It is also ideal for those who have upset stomachs. Moreover, the product is also infused intravenously to women during delivery to ease the dilation of uterine muscles.

Grifols 729620 IV Injection Solution Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500mL Bag 20 EA/CS

US$579.88

Product Details

Grifols 729620 IV injection solution is sterile and contains 0.9% sodium chloride. Being free from any kind of preservatives as well as additives, the solution is safe and does not cause an increased risk of infections or other local complications often associated with IV infusions.

The solution is also capable of carrying higher doses of medications that cannot be given via oral route. The packaging material is safe and free from PVC as well as Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP, a toxic chemical substance that is often present in plastic-based packaging material.

*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. They may vary over time.

The different types of solutions for IV therapy mentioned in the article, along with many other medical supplies, can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link given in the article to check out the wide range of intravenous fluids.

Bottom Line

IV therapy is a way to deliver medications directly into the peripheral veins. This is helpful for many patients as the intravenous route can be used to administer medications as well as nutrients directly to the circulatory system in cases when the patients cannot take oral medications.

IV therapy provides several advantages as it can be employed to treat severe dehydration. In addition, patients can also receive necessary electrolytes, minerals, as well as vitamins thanks to intravenous micronutrient therapy. Despite the risk of certain issues at the IV site, the IV route is highly useful and the therapy can be made even safer by adopting the recommended practices.

Considering the importance of IV solutions in hospital settings, it is recommended to keep the inventory well-stocked to deal with emergencies. Therefore, for purchasing the different types of IV fluids for IV administration, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.