From: Chapter 2 Administer IV Push Medications
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Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Advanced Skills [Internet]. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2023.
Table 2.2b
IV Push Medication Advantages and Disadvantages[7]
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Intravenous medications can deliver an immediate, fast-acting therapeutic effect, which is important in emergent situations, such as cardiac arrest or narcotic overdose. They are useful to manage pain and nausea by quickly achieving therapeutic levels, and they are more consistently and completely absorbed compared with medications given by other routes of injection. | Once an intravenous medication is delivered, it cannot be retrieved. When giving IV medications, there is very little opportunity to stop an injection if an adverse reaction or error occurs. IV medications, if given too quickly or incorrectly, can cause significant harm or death. |
| Doses of short-acting medication can be titrated according to patient responses to drug therapy. Medication can be prepared quickly and given over a shorter period of time compared to the IV piggyback route. | Any toxic or adverse reaction can occur immediately and may be exacerbated by a rapidly injected medication. |
| Minimal dilution is required for some medications, which is desirable for a patient’s fluid restrictions. | Infiltration and extravasation can cause tissue damage, nerve damage, and scarring. |
| There is minimal or no discomfort for the patient in comparison to receiving subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. | Not all medications can be given IV route. |
| Intravenous medications provide an alternative to the oral route for drugs that may not be absorbed by the GI tract. They are ideal for patients with GI dysfunction or malabsorption, as well as for patients who are NPO (nothing by mouth) or unconscious. | There is a high risk for infusion reactions, ranging from mild to severe because most IV medications peak rapidly (i.e., they have a quick onset of effect). A hypersensitivity reaction can occur immediately or be delayed and requires supportive measures. |
| IV push medication provides a more accurate dose of medication because none is left in the intravenous tubing. | The route for administering medications may damage surrounding tissues. There is an increased risk of phlebitis with highly concentrated medication, especially with small peripheral veins or a short venous access device. |
- Table 2.2b, [IV Push Medication Advantages and Disadvantages[7]]. - Nursing Adva...Table 2.2b, [IV Push Medication Advantages and Disadvantages[7]]. - Nursing Advanced Skills
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