Intravenous therapy

Postgrad Med J. 2004 Jan;80(939):1-6. doi: 10.1136/pmj.2003.010421.

Abstract

Intravenous administration of fluids, drugs, and nutrition is very common in hospitals. Although insertion of peripheral and central cannulae and subsequent intravenous therapy are usually well tolerated, complications that prolong hospitalisation, and in some cases cause death, can arise on occasions. Additionally, many cannulae are inserted unnecessarily. This article seeks to review this area and to outline good medical practice.

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, Local
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / instrumentation
  • Catheterization, Peripheral / adverse effects
  • Catheterization, Peripheral / instrumentation
  • Decision Making
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Equipment Failure
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous* / adverse effects
  • Infusions, Intravenous* / instrumentation
  • Infusions, Intravenous* / methods
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Professional Practice
  • Sepsis / etiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations