what is a bolus iv

An IV bolus is a type of intravenous therapy that delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, or medications into the bloodstream over a short period of time, typically one to thirty minutes. Unlike a standard IV drip, which uses a closed fluid line and allows the fluids and medications to enter the body slowly, an IV bolus uses an open fluid line, allowing the cocktail of vitamins and minerals in the IV bag to enter the body much more quickly. An IV bolus is useful when time is of the essence, such as administering a much-needed dose of insulin to someone with type 1 diabetes. It is also used in non-emergency situations that still require a quick dose of nutrients to be delivered to the patient. An IV push, on the other hand, delivers medication in a few seconds. Both IV bolus and IV push deliver instantaneous results because they hit the bloodstream faster.