16 WHAT THE C?!? /// CHAPTER 11 Central Lines IV (Intravenous) simply means " in a vein. " Most of your drugs and fluids go in ( " infused " in medical lingo) over a period of time through an IV line (tubing) that connects to an infusion pump. The pump keeps things flowing at a specific rate. Meds, fluids and blood for transfusions are usually hung on an IV pole to which the pump or pumps are connected. Initially and perhaps intermittently through your medical journey, you will have a small temporary " peripheral IV " inserted, usually in your arm. These can last for up to a few days. There are some disadvantages to using an IV. Here are some tips to be aware of: » You can't get them wet » They have to be " flushed " often to stay open » You can't give certain medicines through them (that might be harmful if they leak out) » You can't draw blood through them. For these reasons, you will probably discuss with your medical team a more robust type of IV access, one that puts the line into a more central vein near your heart. These lines make receiving IV medications and blood transfusions and having blood tests drawn MUCH easier. This is where a central line comes in handy. = Medical Stuff = ]]]]}>==GETTING HOOKED U > P = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =https://fwaya.org/