A medical professional will place a tourniquet around the patient’s arm before inserting an IV.
IV nursing, also called infusion nursing, is the nursing of patients who need intravenous (IV) therapy. Infusion nurses may be responsible for administering intravenous food or medication, giving blood transfusions, cleaning a tube insertion site, monitoring the patient for infection, knowing intravenous drug interactions, being aware of different indications for IVF patients of different ages and conditions, and initiate emergency procedures, among other tasks. Nurses in this field must have an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing, along with a license as a registered nurse (RN). The nurse must then specialize in intravenous nursing and pass the Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI®) exam.
IV nursing is the nursing of patients who need intravenous therapy.
Intravenous therapy generally refers to the direct administration of nutrients or medications through a blood vessel. Many patients are able to eat during this therapy, but those who rely solely on intravenous nutrition are called total parenteral nutrition (TPN) patients. This method of feeding is used in patients with digestive or dysfunctional problems due to surgery, coma, illness, or trauma, or for patients who need bowel rest. Intravenous therapy is often used to administer anticancer agents or medications that block the abnormal reproduction of cells that result in growths called neoplasms. Blood transfusions, a procedure in which blood is transferred from one person to another patient who is deficient in healthy blood, is also done intravenously.
An IV nurse may use an IV bag.
The responsibility most popularly associated with IV nursing is inserting the IV, a hollow needle attached to a catheter that delivers fluids directly into the punctured vein. The catheter, or tube, is connected to a bag of fluids that contains the necessary nutrients and medications. Fluids can flow continuously with the help of gravity or with a regulating device called an infusion pump that measures how much fluid a patient receives in a 24-hour period. Fluids can also be given intermittently, disconnecting the patient from the catheter after each feeding. Liquids can also be injected directly into the vein with a syringe.
One of the tasks of an IV nurse is to change the gauze at the site of need for insertion.
Most IVs are placed in the arm or hand. To start an IV, a tourniquet is tied over the insertion site and the patient is asked to clench their fist to widen the vein for easy visualization. After finding the best vein, the area is cleaned, the skin is stretched, and the nurse inserts the needle into the vein at a 30- to 45-degree angle. In addition to line insertions, IV nursing includes the tasks of balancing fluids and electrolytes, monitoring vital signs, adjusting the patient’s nutritional status, administering fluids to prevent vein closure, cleaning the tube, preventing infection, and changing the needle gauze. insertion.
Cancer centers have IV nurses on staff who administer chemotherapy treatments to patients.
Infusion nurses must be able to determine the correct dosages and drug flow rates and identify the appropriate drug. For this reason, IV nursing education includes courses in pharmacology, or the study of drugs and drug interactions. Infusion nurses may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient infusion centers, or in home care settings. Some patients can independently administer fluids at home, while others may need a professional. For those who can’t afford IV nursing at home, outpatient infusion centers are often a more cost-effective option.