Intravenous Drug Administration Methods

Posted on May 4, 2025 in Medicine & Health

Intravenous Drug Administration

Intravenous (IV) therapy involves administering liquid substances directly into a vein using a needle or catheter. This method can be intermittent or continuous (IV drip).

Routes of Administration

  • Drugs
  • Blood transfusions
  • Lethal injections

Drugs are often presented in powder form and reconstituted into solutions shortly before administration to prevent changes. Technicians can prepare and administer these solutions under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional.

Forms of Administration

  • Direct/Bolus: For rapid action or incompatible medications.
  • Continuous Infusion (Drip): For maintaining therapeutic drug levels or restoring fluid/electrolyte balance.
  • Intermittent Perfusion: Useful for administering diluted drugs over a longer period.

Equipment used for continuous infusion should be changed every 72 hours.

Bolus Administration

This method is used when rapid action is required or when the drug is incompatible with other medications.

Preparation Tray
  • Sterile kidney dish
  • Syringes
  • Needles (butterfly, branula)
  • Antiseptic swabs
  • Adhesive fabric/tie
  • Gloves
  • Waste container
  • Medication label/instructions
Continuous Infusion (Drip)

This method maintains therapeutic drug levels or restores fluid and electrolyte balance. It also helps control the patient’s hemodynamic levels.

Procedure
  1. Disinfect the IV flask neck.
  2. Cut the seal (if necessary).
  3. Add electrolytes or drugs (if indicated).
  4. Label the flask with relevant information.
  5. Prepare the IV set.
  6. Wash hands.
  7. Connect the IV set to the patient.
Intermittent Perfusion (Microdrip)

This method is useful for administering diluted drugs in smaller volumes (e.g., 100ml) over a longer time. An intravenous extension or stopcock is typically used.

Procedure
  1. Wash hands.
  2. Disinfect the IV flask neck.
  3. Cut the seal.
  4. Open the microdrip equipment.
  5. Prepare the medication.
  6. Dilute the drug to the indicated volume.
  7. Connect the microdrip set.
Infusion Pump

This method delivers precise drug doses at controlled rates, especially for high-risk medications.

Preparation
  • Infusion pump
  • Pump cable
  • Infusion set
  • Parenteral solution
  • Support
  • Adhesive tape

Drug Preparation

Drugs stable in solution are typically packaged in glass vials or bottles. Oily or watery suspensions may also be used.

Preparation may involve using sterile water, saline, dextrose, or Ringer’s solution.