IV Question

[LetMeGrabSomeGloves]

So I feel really silly for asking this question, but it was never really explained and every nursing instructor I've ever had has brushed me off when I've inquired.

What is the difference between an IV, INT, and Saline Lock?

I've googled it, but it's not providing much clarification for me; I'm still finding myself confused.

Clarification is greatly appreciated! :)

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

What is INT?? I'm not familiar with that term. Saline lock is an iv with no fluids infusing

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I have never heard of INT, either.

IVs without anything infusing can be "saline lock" as opposed to "heparin lock". "Heparin lock" has become an old-school term for "saline lock", in many cases, and is often interpreted as such when it's written as an order relating to peripheral IVs.

Although I still see heparin used in dialysis lines, I never ever see it used in peripheral lines.

[Bob Loblaw]

INT- intermittent needle therapy as in a capped off IV cannula for later use- I rarely come across this term

Lock- saline or heparin, fluid put in IV cannula or port to keep blood from doing what it wants to do- clot your IV off

KVO- keep vein open-minimal flow usually of a maintenance fluid (10 ml/hr) to keep cannula and vein access open

If you go to the trouble of putting an IV/IO in, you want to make sure you can use it. For example someone comes into ER gets and IV placed for whatever is ailing him and then gets admitted. Various RN's will probably use that same IV his whole time in the hospital for fluids and meds in, labs out etc- so you want to keep it patent. If I'm working a floor, I'll usually flush everyone's IV just to keep it going.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

Maybe INT is short for intermittent saline lock?