Intravenous therapy is an invasive procedure, directly introducing a solution into the bloodstream via a vein (venous route). Therefore, the practitioner performing IV therapy must be fully aware of the principles and strictly adhere to them to ensure patient safety.
Healthcare workers must understand and follow the principles of intravenous therapy to ensure patient safety.
Principles of Intravenous Therapy
- Follow the “5 rights” (Right patient; Right medication; Right dosage; Right time; Right route) to ensure patient safety.
- Ensure absolute aseptic technique.
- Ensure safety in managing the IV fluids.
- Do not allow air to enter the vein.
- Ensure the pressure of the IV fluids is higher than the patient’s blood pressure.
- Ensure the infusion time as prescribed by the doctor. The flow rate of the fluid must follow the doctor’s order. Use the formula to calculate the infusion flow time:
Total time (minutes) = (Total IV fluid volume x Drops/ml) ÷ Drops/min - Monitor vital signs before, during, and after the infusion.
- Detect early signs of reactions and manage them promptly.
- Keep the IV system sterile, use sterile bandages at the needle site.
- IV fluids should not be used for more than 24 hours. The infusion set should be replaced after 48-72 hours. The cannula should be changed after 48-72 hours or longer, depending on the product.
Why should the principles of intravenous therapy be followed?
Intravenous therapy is a method chosen by many to introduce a volume of water, nutrients, etc., to supplement the body’s needs, support treatment, or promote health recovery. This is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers solutions directly into the bloodstream through a vein. Therefore, this technique carries risks of complications, and if not performed correctly and only when necessary, it can cause complications such as acute pulmonary edema, high blood pressure, or acute heart failure.
The intravenous therapy procedure must be carried out at medical facilities with adequate conditions and the ability to handle complications during the infusion. It is advised to limit IV therapy at home, on the road, or in vehicles.
Medical facilities should have emergency anti-shock medications readily available to treat patients promptly in case of unfortunate incidents.
- References:
Ministry of Health (2010). Guidelines for practicing 55 basic nursing techniques, Volume 2. Vietnam Education Publishing House. - Ministry of Health (2012). Nursing skills lectures. Medical Publishing House, Hanoi.
- Ministry of Health (2012). Decision No: 3671/QD-BYT, Guidelines for safe injections in healthcare facilities.
=>> READ MORE: IV THERAPY SAFETY STANDARDS
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