Different Types of IV Drips and their Uses
- medinstanthealth
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Kumar Surendra
Most of us have taken IV drips at some point of our lives, a cannula placed in the veins after careful monitoring, a bag of fluid ready to be administered. All of this might look dramatic in the first place but is an important part of the healthcare system. It enables a rapid and effective method to promote healing, they are an inseparable unit of hospitals as well as home healthcare services. Through this blog it is important to be aware about IV drips and their uses, the implications and effectiveness of the IV drips for health.
What are IV Drips?
In scientific terms IV stands for intra venous, that means inside the veins. It is a common medical procedure performed by nursing care experts to administer medication, nutrients, fluids etc. It is an effective method that helps deliver medication etc. directly into the bloodstreams and bypasses the digestive system. It is thus a quick and effective way to overcome health concerns.
What are the different types of IV Drips:
There are various types of IV drips:
Medications based IV drips for fever and infection such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and medications for chronic illnesses and overall wound healing.
IV nutrient therapy such as vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B complex, magnesium, calcium infusion to maintain nutritional balance, energy and immunity.
Hydration based IV drips for fluid and electrolyte replacement for hydration and rejuvenation.
Different types of IV fluids and their uses:
The major types of IV drips are : Crystalloids and Colloids
Crystalloids -
Small crystal molecules that easily pass the bloodstreams and tissues for rapid action.
It is available in 3 types based on tonicity as compared to blood plasma :
A. Isotonic fluids -
Same concentration as blood plasma -
Examples:
0.9% Normal Saline (contains sodium and chloride)
Lactated Ringer (sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium & lactate)
Ringer’s solution (sodium chloride, potassium chloride and calcium chloride in water)
Uses-
Dehydration
Hypovolemic Shock (sudden fluid or blood loss)
Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
To restore blood volume
Replacement of electrolyte in body
Cases of Burn
To Maintain Blood pressure
Used as a carrier for IV medication
B. Hypotonic fluids -
Low concentration as blood plasma
Examples:
3% Normal Saline
5% Normal Saline Dextrose
5% in Normal Saline
Uses-
Intracellular Hydration
In case of high sodium levels in the body
For fluid resuscitation.
C. Hypertonic -
High concentration as blood plasma
Examples:
3% Normal Saline
5% Normal Saline
Dextrose 5% in Normal Saline
Uses-
To manage critically low sodium
For people with severe gastro intestinal issues
For patients with specific electrolyte imbalances
Colloids:
Have high molecular weight
Examples:
Protein
Starch
Albumin
Plasma
Uses:
Through surgery, trauma or burn
For patient with hypoalbuminemia
Note: This information is for awareness only. Consult your doctor for detailed information about the medication or IV fluid. Make the nursing care expert well aware about the health communication and allergies if any.
Important factors of IV Drip regulation at home
At MedInstant IV drips are administered, monitored and regulated by trained nursing care experts who follow the set procedures and standards for easy IV therapy.
It is important to understand-
1. The type of medication - It is important to understand the types of IV drips used in home healthcare, hospitals and have knowledge about its tonicity as prescribed by the doctor.
2. The Dosage of the medication- Administer proper dosage of the medication as prescribed by the doctor so as to prevent fluid overload in the body that may otherwise lead to medical emergencies.
3. The sterile procedure and right techniques- Ensure the cannula is inserted properly in the veins, ensure the patient remains infection free, and the IV is regulated comfortably.
4. Regulating the drip rate of the medication- It is important to keep a tab on the drip rate to maintain effective fluid delivery and patient safety through the procedure.
How are IV drips at home safe and effective?
IV Drip at Home is helpful in numerous ways:
- It enables optimal healing in a homely, comfortable and infection free environment.
- Supports timely administration of medication, without delays or discomfort.
- Helps in post surgery wound healing of the elderly or bedridden patients.
- Restore energy and strength through nutritional IV drips.
- Ensures the patient receives quality IV drip service at home.
Conclusion:
There are multiple IV therapies, each to cater to a specific medical condition. It could be a short term service lasting a few hours to a long term service that lasts for a particular duration of time.
When administered by trained medical experts it can help in a speedy recovery and healing through severe dehydration, recovery or through post surgical conditions. If you are a resident of Noida, East Delhi & Ghaziabad, you can book MedInstant's IV Drip services at home through a call, or you can WhatsApp 7428153982. The nursing care experts ensure the patient heals in a comfortable and worry free environment without compromising on the quality of the care received.
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