Toronto - Intravenous Therapy

Intravenous therapy is a way to inject fluid into the body to heal the patient. Intravenous injections and drips are used to ensure a hundred percent bio availability. If medication is given in oral form, some of it is lost in the intestine before it reaches the circulation and does not have the desired effect. Moreover, patients who are unconscious or those who require immediate effects will also be in need of intravenous injections.

Uses of Intravenous Therapy

Intravenous therapy is used for many reasons. It is used to deliver medicine to the patient to ensure that the entire dose has reached the circulation and to allow immediate effect. Intravenous drips are also used to correct electrolyte imbalance. A mixture of sodium, potassium, and magnesium is infused into the patient to correct the imbalance and regulate the electrolyte levels. Blood transfusion is also possible with the use of intravenous therapy.

Adverse Effects of Intravenous Therapy

• Infection

An infection can be caused after an intravenous injection. This is because there is a defect in the skin and causes an opening into the internal structures of the body. Microorganisms may invade the body and cause a local inflammatory reaction which may lead to fever and swelling at the site of the injection.

• Hypothermia

Our body temperature and the normal room temperature vary a great amount. Therefore, the fluid that is being infused into the patient’s body via an intravenous drip may cause hypothermia due to the difference in temperature. This can also lead to cardiac problems which may be life threatening.

• Phlebitis

This is the inflammation or infection of a vein due to foreign body invasion in the vein. This will lead to pain, redness, swelling, and other signs of inflammation. In case of phlebitis, the intravenous drip should be taken off and inserted elsewhere on the body.

• Embolism

An embolism is the occlusion of a vessel by a thrombus. An intravenous injection can introduce air bubbles into the blood stream, which may travel within the body and block a vessel partially or completely. This will cause hypoxia and lead to necrosis of the area involved.

• Fluid Overload

As the name implies, if too much fluid is given than required via intravenous drip it leads high blood pressure, cardiac failure, and pulmonary symptoms.

• Electrolyte Imbalance

One of the uses of intravenous therapy is to correct electrolyte imbalance. However, if the concentration of the electrolyte mixture, which is being infused into the patient, does not meet the exact requirements of the patient, it may worsen the condition rather than improving it.