Final answer:
An IV is used to provide fluids or medication directly into the bloodstream, particularly useful for treating dehydration or delivering drugs not absorbed orally. Placement of the IV bag above the entry point ensures adequate fluid flow. The IV route is contrasted with oral administration, the latter often preferred for at-home treatment of infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of an IV (intravenous catheter) inserted into a vein is primarily to provide fluids or medication directly into the bloodstream. This method is often used in healthcare settings for rapid delivery and immediate effect, particularly when a patient is dehydrated and needs fluids to be administered intravenously. IV therapy can be crucial in various medical procedures, such as when a drug is not effectively absorbed by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or for the delivery of chemotherapy drugs. Due to the risk of bloodstream infections associated with IV catheters, their placement and management are handled with the utmost care.
Common sites for IV insertion include the hand, elbow, foot, and inside forearm. The placement of the IV bag is important; it is usually located at least 0.24 meters above the entry point into the arm to ensure proper fluid flow. For administering antimicrobial treatments for systemic infections at home, oral administration is often the preferred and convenient route, contrary to the intravenous or parenteral routes which are typically performed in medical facilities.