Introduction to IV Bolus Rate

Vocabulary

Bolus – Refers to the administration of a single dose of a substance

IV Bolus – A medical technique that delivers necessary fluid or medication directly into the bloodstream

IV Push – An even quicker method than IV Bolus. The syringe’s content is delivered within seconds directly into the bloodstream.


IV Bolus Rate Conversions

An IV bolus is a method of intravenous therapy that delivers a concentrated dose of medication or fluid directly into a vein.

  • It refers to a  single dose of medication given over a short period.
  • It is quicker than an IV drip but slower than an IV push.

An IV bolus can be used in critical situations where rapid treatment is necessary for non-emergency purposes, such as pain management or rehydration.

IV Bolus Rate Example

Order: The physician prescribes Morphine 0.5mg IV every four hours as needed for pain. The vial is labeled 2 mg/mL. How many mL should you give per dose?

mL → [latex]\frac {1mL} {2mg}[/latex] x [latex]\frac {0.5mg} {1}[/latex] = [latex]0.25mL[/latex]

IV Bolus Video Tutorial[1]


  1. WisTech Open. (2024, August 12). Nursing dosage calculations - IV bollus rate [Video]. YouTube. CC BY 4.0. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ5urQJpZgM
definition

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Nursing Dosage Calculations Copyright © 2024 by WisTech Open is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.