Final answer:
In healthcare, "IV" stands for intravenous, which is a method of administering fluids or medications directly into a vein. This is commonly used to rehydrate a dehydrated patient or for the treatment of systemic infections when oral medication is not an option.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of healthcare, "IV" stands for intravenous, which refers to the administration of substances directly into a vein. This is a common method for providing medications and fluids to patients who cannot receive treatment orally. For example, patients who are dehydrated are often given fluids intravenously to quickly restore hydration levels in the body.
When considering the routes of administration appropriate for home treatment of a systemic infection, an oral antimicrobial would be convenient for home administration, whereas intravenous therapy might require skilled medical support or equipment. Other methods, like topical application, are more suited for localized treatments rather than systemic conditions.