How to set up for intravenous fluid therapy
Claire Bloor
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
IntroductionThe use of intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT) is common in veterinary practice as there are many different types of patients requiring cardiovascular support. These patients include those with medical conditions, those being anaesthetised for surgery, and emergency patients. While fluid selection and administration rates are the remit of the veterinary surgeon (VS), registered veterinary nurses (RVN) are primarily responsible for pre-infusion blood sampling and testing, preparing infusions, obtaining intravenous access, administering the infusion and monitoring the patient's progress. This article will outline the indications for IVFT, discuss initial patient assessment, fluid selection and goals associated with fluid administration, before considering the preparation and administration of infusions, and subsequent patient monitoring.
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