Intravenous Rehydration
Definition
Intravenous rehydration is the process by which sterile water solutions containing small amounts of salt or sugar are injected into the body through a tube attached to a needle which is inserted into a vein.
Purpose
Intravenous rehydration is used to restore the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body due to illness, surgery, or accident. Electrolytes are salts (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, sulfate, and bicarbonate) that become ions when mixed with fluids in the body and blood and have the ability to conduct electricity. The body uses electrolytes to carry electrical impulses from cell to cell. Moderate to severe dehydration can interfere with the body's normal...
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