Intravenous Route

This route of administering drugs is becoming more popular in the paediatric practice.

Purpose of this Route

1. When rapid action is required. 
2. High serum concentration required of the drug. 
3. Children who cannot absorb drugs from gastro-intestinal route because of continuing diarrhoea, dehydration or other problems. 

Equipment

Tourniquet, scalpvein or venflow, spirit swab, adhesive

Procedure

1. Select the vein. A vein in the antecubital fossa i.e. the cephalic or median basilic is usually selected and the elbow extended. 
2. Make the vein prominent by constriction above the site with the hand of the assisting nurse or a rubber tourniquet can be used. If the vein on the dorsum of the hand is selected and digital constriction is applied around the wrist precaution should be taken not to occlude the radial pulse. 
3. Once the vein is prominent clean the area with spirit and let it dry. 
4. Children are often unpredictable and cannot be expected to cooperate totally when receiving an injection. It is advisable to have someone available to help hold the child if needed. Distract child with conversation or toy. 
5. Gently enter the vein. Once blood is seen in the scalp vein tubing release the pressure. 
6. Secure the scalp vein with adhesive. 
7. Inject the drug kept ready and close the scalp vein opening, two way set can also be connected and kept. 
8. When intravenous drugs are discontinued, the needle should be withdrawn and firm pressure applied over the site and the limb may be elevated for one minute.