# Intravenous Injections --- **Intravenous injection** are a route of [[medication administration]] where medication may be administered directly into a [[veins|vein]]. Medications administered by this route bypass the entire GI tract and thus do not undergo the [[pharmacokinetics|first pass effect]] and may start their action almost immediately. It also cannot be undone, like you might be able to throw up a pill, so the [[rights of medication administration]] must be thoroughly adhered to to avoid medication errors. ## IV Site The **IV site** or "peripheral venous access site" must be routinely assessed for [[phlebitis]], pain, redness, swelling, drainage and patency. ### Gauges The size of catheter you chose will depend on a few factors such as what size the patient it is or what the purpose of the IV. The colors are industry standard so there there is no confusion once you learn which one is which. - **Purple** (not shown below) is **26 gauge** and typically only used for the elderly and neonates - **Yellow** is is **24 gauge** and used for neonates and some pediatrics. It's usually the smallest one available. - **Blue** is **22 gauge** and is pediatric standard. - 22, I am blue - **Pink** is **20 gauge** and is adult standard. It can deliver medications and fluids and withstand infusion pressure. - **Green** is **18 gauge** and is ED standard. It can be used for blood transfusion or other large volumes. - Green, golfing green, 18 holes - **Grey** is **16 gauge** and is for trauma, surgery or when there is a need for significant volume replacement. - **Orange** is **14 gauge** and is for massive trauma needing massive volume replacement. >[!health]- (Content Warning: Needles) IV catheter colors and gagues > ![[PIV catheters.png]] ___