Intravenous Rehydration Health Article

Definition

Intravenous (IV) rehydration is a treatment for fluid loss in which a sterile water solution containing small amounts of salt or sugar is injected into the patient's bloodstream.

Purpose

Rehydration is usually performed to treat the symptoms associated with dehydration, or excessive loss of body water. Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can cause a person to become dehydrated fairly quickly. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Patients can become dehydrated due to an illness, surgery, metabolic disorder, hot weather, or accident. Athletes who have overexerted themselves may also require rehydration with IV fluids. An IV for rehydration can be used for several hours to several days, and is generally used if a patient is unable to keep down oral fluids due to excessive vomiting.

Description

A basic IV rehydration solution consists of sterile water with small amounts of sodium chloride (NaCl; salt) and dextrose (sugar) added. It is supplied in bottles or thick plastic bags that can hang on a pole or rolling stand mounted next to a patient's bed. Additional electrolytes (i.e., potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, phosphate, magnesium, chloride), vitamins, or drugs can be added as needed either in a separate minibag or via an injection into the intravenous line.

Diagnosis/Preparation

Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

• extreme thirst
• sunken eyes
• reduced urine output; urine that is dark in color
• weakness and fatigue
• rapid weight loss
• dry, warm skin
• skin that is wrinkled or has little elasticity
• rapid pulse
• dry mouth
• "tearless" crying
• muscle cramps
• headache

In infants, dehydration may also be indicated by a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on the head).

A doctor orders the IV solution and any additional nutrients or drugs to be added to it. The doctor also specifies the rate at which the IV will be infused. The intravenous solutions are prepared under the supervision of a pharmacist using sanitary techniques that prevent bacterial contamination. Just like a prescription, the IV is clearly labeled to show its contents and the amounts of any additives. A nurse will examine the patient's arm to find a suitable vein for insertion of the intravenous line. Once the vein is located, the skin around the area is cleaned and disinfected. The needle is inserted and is taped to the skin to prevent it from moving out of the vein.

Patients receiving IV therapy must be monitored to ensure that the IV solutions are providing the correct amounts of fluids and minerals needed. People with kidney and heart disease are at increased risk for overhydration, so they must be carefully monitored when receiving IV therapy.