Anaesthetic Glossary
Intravenous medications
In order to "induce" anaesthesia, as well as treat variations in blood pressure and administer intravenous antibiotics, muscle relaxants, neuromuscular reversal agents and anti-coagulants - medications and fluids are given through the veins via a catheter.
The IV catheter is initially placed in the vein with the assistance of a needle. The needle is removed, leaving a soft, flexible catheter behind.
