1. The procedure involves inserting a needle into a vein and injecting the prescribed solution.
2. Alternatives to intravenous therapy are oral supplementation and/or dietary and lifestyle changes.
3. Risks of intravenous therapy including but not limited to:
a. Occasionally to commonly:
i. Discomfort, bruising and pain at the site of injection.
ii. General feeling of warmth during and after injection.
b. Rarely:
i. Inflammation of the vein used for injection, phlebitis, metabolic disturbances, and injury.
ii. Reactive Hypotension (or rapid drop in blood pressure)
iii. Reactive Hypoglycemia (or rapid drop in blood sugar)
C. Extremely Rarely: Severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, infection, cardiac arrest and death.
Benefits of intravenous therapy include:
1. Injectables are not affected by stomach or intestinal absorption problems.
2. Total amount of infusion is available to the tissues.
3. Nutrients are forced into cells by means of a high concentration gradient.
4. Higher doses of nutrients can be given than possible by mouth without intestinal irritation.