Information for the public
Having IV fluid therapy
Having IV fluid therapy
A needle is put into your hand or arm and the fluid is given straight into the bloodstream. How much fluid you need, the exact components and how long you need IV fluids will depend on your individual circumstances.
People in hospital usually get the fluids, salts and sugars they need through eating and drinking, or sometimes through a feeding tube. But if you can't get enough in this way, you should have IV fluid therapy. You may also need IV fluid if you:
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have been involved in an accident
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are 'nil by mouth' (that is, you are not allowed to eat or drink, for example, if you are about to have a general anaesthetic)
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have had surgery or
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are losing fluids, salts or sugars quicker than they can be replaced, for example, if you have diarrhoea, keep vomiting or are sweating very heavily.
Your healthcare team should decide whether you need IV fluids from your symptoms, medical history, fluid status (whether you have too little or too much fluid in your body), whether you are taking any other medications, and results of various examinations and laboratory tests.
When you no longer need IV fluid, it should be stopped as soon as possible.