| A | B |
|---|
| Drip Rate | The rate that an IV runs – usually in drops per minute or milliliters per hour. As the drip rate goes up, the volume infused goes up as well. |
| Venipuncture | The skill of inserting a catheter or needle into the vein for the purpose of blood sampling or for the purpose of leaving in an IV device for further use. |
| Volume Control Chamber / Device | An add-on device to IV fluid bags which limits the amount of fluid which can be infused at one time. Used especially with children to prevent rapid infusion of a large quantity of fluid. It may also be used to dilute and administer some medications. |
| Air Embolism | A potential complication of a Venipuncture or IV where air is introduced into the vein. The air pocket travels in the vein and may lodge in a small vein, occluding blood flow in that area. |
| Scalp Vein | The superficial veins of the scalp, which may be used for venous access in infants and children up to around 18 months of age. Also refers to a type of IV needle, which is a small needle with plastic ends for gripping. This type of needle is more commonly referred to as a “butterfly” needle. |
| IV Lock / Saline Lock / Heparin Lock | An IV access that is “locked” with a saline or heparin solution so that it will not clot. However, the IV site is still available for access for administration of intermittent IV medications or emergency medications. |
| IV Flush | An IV lock is “flushed” with saline or heparinized saline to keep it from clotting. |
