Intravenous Medication Protocols

Intravenous injection, commonly referred to as IV, is an important means of delivering medication. IV may involve a single injection from a syringe or a continual, machine-automated administration of drugs over an extended period of time. The advantage of IV administration is that the body rapidly absorbs the drug, since it's injected directly into the bloodstream.

Safety

• Medical professionals must review the "five rights" to make sure the patient is getting the right dose and the right drug, at the right time, and via the right route, and also that the patient is, in fact, the right patient. Medical personnel must also verify that the injected drug will not interfere with other drugs already in the patient's body. Of course, a clean needle must be used each time for each patient, and the entry point should be swabbed with alcohol before injection.

Bolus

• Bolus refers to a single dose injected at one time. The protocol for bolus administration involves measuring the correct amount of drug, diluting it accordingly, filling the syringe, and injecting it directly into a vein or other vascular access point. Bolus medication can also be administered through an IV line, but standard procedure involves flushing the line twice with saline solution.

Saline Lock

• The saline lock method involves a peripheral IV machine used for intermittent drug administration. Some devices must be flushed with heparin before use. The needle or needle connector attaches to the lock's latex cap. Medical professionals should test the connection by pulling slightly on the syringe to see if it's in place. If blood "flashes back" into the tubing, it indicates the saline lock has been successfully implemented.

Follow-Up Care

• Protocols for aftercare also apply to IV drug administration. Health professionals must monitor patients for allergic or otherwise unfavorable reactions to the drug. Used IV materials are thrown out according to proper disposal procedures for biological matter. IV drip rate and device electronics should be observed periodically while the patient is under care.