Iv

IV is an initialism with several meanings, most commonly intravenous and a Roman numeral. In medicine, intravenous refers to delivering fluids, medications, or blood products directly into a vein via an IV line. An intravenous infusion is performed using a cannula or catheter inserted into a vein, with the tip in the vein and the other end connected to tubing and an IV fluid source. Peripheral IVs are placed in small veins of the arms or hands, while central venous catheters are used for long-term treatment or for administering certain medications. Common fluids include isotonic saline, lactated Ringer's, and dextrose solutions; many drugs are given as IV injections (boluses) or continuous infusions. Administration methods include IV push (bolus), continuous infusion, or intermittent infusion via a piggyback line.

In clinical practice, IV therapy requires consideration of safety and potential complications. Risks include infiltration, phlebitis, infection at the insertion site, air embolism, catheter occlusion, and dislodgement. Vesicant drugs can cause tissue damage if they escape into surrounding tissue. Best practices emphasize sterile technique, regular site assessment, proper line care, and prompt removal when therapy ends. Central venous access may be chosen when long-term access, large volumes, or irritating medications are needed.

IV also denotes the Roman numeral for four. It is used to number items, indicate monarchs or volumes in historical and formal contexts, and appears in various shorthand notations where intravenous administration is implied. The term IV thus has both medical and numeric meanings.