iv

jose Asked:

IV in arm vs neck

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Linda Answered:

An IV is put in the neck under several circumstances. In life threatening emergencies in order to get medicine in and fluids as fast as possible, the large veins of the neck are used, especially in small children. This is quicker and easier than collapsed veins in the arm, or small veins in the arm. This may also be necessary in drug addicts who have abused their arm veins so badly they are unusuable or in cancer patients or the chronically ill who have a lot of damage to their arm veins from previous treatments. Neck veins and arteries may also be used in surgery and the ICU or in cardiac treatment labs to access the central circulation in and about the heart for catheters that monitor or treat conditions. These neck veins and arteries are generally not used by ancillary personnel like paramedics or nurses but are used by highly trained physicians - especially pediatricians, ER specialists, trauma surgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiologists and anesthesiologists. Paramedics may be trained to use them in ultra emergency situations if absolutely necessary. There are other special circumstances relating to trauma and disasters that may necessitate their use.