Jean Montgomery, Austin Community College
Managing IV Therapy
Managing IV therapy is a delicate balance. Clients at both ends of the age spectrum, the elderly and premature, are at high risk of experiencing fluid overload and inappropriate administration of intermittent IV medication when receiving intravenous therapy. Healthcare professionals use manual IV flow regulators and electronic pumps or electronic infusion devices (EID's) to help guard against accidental overdose of IV fluids and medications.
In the field, an EMT/Intermidiate or Paramedic providing initial IV therapy to an injured motorist might use a manual in line dial-a-flo to manage the IV fluids while in route to a hospital. Just as the name implies, a healthcare professional can attach this device to the Primary IV line and "dial the correct flow rate."
Safety Alert: These devices are not a failsafe method of IV administration. The health care provider must be aware of the time of administration and the appropriate volume to be infused.