What is the Difference Between IV Infusion and IV Bolus?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between IV infusion and IV bolus lies in the rate of fluid administration and the purpose of each method.
IV Infusion:
- Fluid administration through a needle or catheter inserted into the patient's vein.
- Flow rate is slow, and the total time duration of administration is indeterminate.
- Used to replace losses in fluids and electrolytes, provide nutritional support, deliver intermittent medications or fluid, and administer blood and blood products.
- Steady levels are achieved after an initial delay, and the flow rate can be varied as needed.
IV Bolus:
- Rapid delivery of a particular medication through the IV route.
- Fluid line is open, allowing the IV cocktail to enter the body more quickly.
- Administered in about 20-35 minutes, providing rapid relief.
- Used for emergency and life-threatening situations, or when time is of the essence.
In summary, IV infusion is a slower method of fluid administration used for various purposes, while IV bolus is a faster method used for rapid delivery of medications or in emergency situations.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between IV Infusion and IV Bolus? Comparative Table: IV Infusion vs IV Bolus
Comparative Table: IV Infusion vs IV Bolus
Here is a table comparing the differences between IV infusion and IV bolus:
Feature | IV Infusion | IV Bolus |
---|---|---|
Definition | Intravenous infusion refers to fluid administration through a steel needle or plastic at a slower flow rate, usually for an extended period. | Intravenous bolus refers to a single dose of a vitamin or medication administered over a short time, typically less than 30 minutes. |
Amount of fluid involved | 1 liter or more containing fluid and electrolytes | 1-3 liters or less, usually containing a drug or medication |
Schedule | Continuous infusion | Intermittent administration |
Duration of administration | Variable, based on the indication or prescription | Short, typically less than 30 minutes |
Uses | To replace losses in fluids and electrolytes, to maintain them, to provide nutritional support, to deliver intermittent medications or fluid, and to administer blood and blood products. | To provide rapid delivery of a particular medication through the IV route, often used for situations where time is of the essence, such as administering insulin to a type 1 diabetic patient. |
IV infusion is a method of slow-rate drug delivery into the bloodstream, while IV bolus is a way of rapid delivery of drugs into the bloodstream via a vein.
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