infusion
(in-fū'zhŏn 
)
[L. infusio, a pouring into, watering]
- Any liquid substance (other than blood) introduced into the body for therapeutic purposes.
- Steeping or soaking a substance in hot but not boiling water or in cold water in order to obtain its active principle.
- The product obtained from the infusion. infuse
(in-fūz')
, v.
bone marrow i.Intraosseous infusion
continuous i.A controlled infusion of drugs, fluids, or nutrients given without interruption, instead of by bolus. By adjusting the infusion rate, precise medication dosages or quantities of fluids can be given over time. Therapies administered continuously include some antibiotics, cancer chemotherapies, heparin, insulin, parenteral nutrition, and vasopressors.
ABBR: CHAI
Infusion by an infusion pump to provide a continuous supply of chemotherapeutic agents to the hepatic artery to control metastases from cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.continuous subcutaneous insulin i.
ABBR: CSII
Infusion of insulin in which rapidly acting insulin is delivered to the body by a subcutaneous catheter from a device worn outside the body. Insulin can be delivered in hourly intervals for basal needs, and additional insulin can be delivered for bolus needs (such as after meals). The user manages and programs the external device containing the insulin reservoir.SEE: insulin pump.
ABBR: DLI
The intravenous infusion of lymphocytes from a stem cell donor to a cancer patient who has previously received a transplant from that donor. DLI increases the graft versus leukemia effect.SEE: graft versus leukemia effect.
fat emulsion i.Iintravenous fat emulsion.
intraosseous i.Infusion by insertion of a needle through the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and periosteum into the marrow cavity of a long bone, usually the proximal tibia. It is a method of obtaining immediate access to the circulation. Once access is gained, substances may be injected into the bone marrow, where they are absorbed almost immediately into the general circulation. This avenue of access does not collapse in the presence of shock.SYN: bone marrow infusion; intraosseous injection.
Drugs infused intraosseously should be followed by a bolus of 5 mL or more of normal saline.
intravenous i.Infusion into a vein of a solution, drugs, or blood components.
SEE: illus.
Many liquid preparations are given by IV infusion. Those commonly used include isotonic (normal) saline, lactated Ringer, dextrose 5% in water, and potassium chloride 0.2% in 5% dextrose. The type and quantity depend on the needs of the patient. The solution is usually given continuously at the rate of 1 to 2 or more liters per day. In shock, however, rapid infusion of larger volumes may be necessary to support the circulation.
IV infusion is usually given in the arm through the median basilic or median cephalic vein, but veins at various other sites may be used. The vein must be exposed if a cannula is used. Introduction of solution should be at the rate required to deliver the needed amount of fluid and contained electrolytes, medicines, or nutrients in a prescribed time.
IV infusions should be discontinued or infusion fluid replenished when the solution being administered is depleted. Clotting of blood in the catheter may occur when the infusion is not continuous.Using scrupulous aseptic technique and universal precautions, the nurse prepares the IV infusion, selects and prepares a venous site, disinfects the skin, inserts an IV catheter or cannula to initiate the infusion (if an IV access is not in place), and secures it in place, restraining joint motion near the insertion site as necessary. The amount of fluid to be infused per hour is calculated, and the flow of the prescribed fluid (and additive as appropriate) is begun at the desired flow rate. A pump or controller is typically used to ensure desired volume delivery. After initiating the infusion, the nurse ensures that the correct fluid is being administered at the designated flow rate and observes the infusion site and the patient at least every hr for signs of infiltration or other complications, such as infection, thrombophlebitis, fluid or electrolyte overload, and air embolism. The site dressing and administration set are changed according to protocol. Central venous catheters and lines are associated with more infections and more serious infections and other complications than peripheral catheters and lines. Strict protocols have been developed for their care.
lipid i.Hyperalimentation with a fat-containing solution administered intravenously.
lipid emulsion i.Intravenous fat emulsion.
neuraxial i.An invasive approach to the relief of unremitting pain in which analgesic drugs are injected intrathecally (directly into the spinal fluid).
perineural local anesthetic i.Continuous peripheral nerve block.
subcutaneous i.The infusion of solutions into the subcutaneous space.