How Does IV Therapy Work?
IV therapy is a straightforward procedure. Regardless of the type of IV therapy you are receiving, you can expect the process to be pretty uniform. The nurse administering the therapy will talk you through the procedure.
Generally, you will be seated somewhere comfortable for the
duration of the therapy. The nurse will disinfect the injection site and place
a needle directly in a vein. The IV will typically be placed in the arm, but it
is possible to be placed elsewhere.
Once the IV is
inserted, the nurse will check the pump to ensure the rate of delivery is
correct. IV therapy can be delivered via a manual pump or an electronic pump.
The fluid drips through the catheter and enters your body.
Once inside your body, the fluid from the IV bag is absorbed
directly into the bloodstream. This method typically delivers medication faster
than oral administration.
During IV therapy, you need to keep still, so you do not disturb
or dislodge the catheter. Aside from that, you can read, watch television or
browse on your phone during the process.