Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common indication for administering intravenous fluids?

1. To enhance appetite

2. To maintain skin elasticity

3. To administer medications

4. To improve oral hydration

The correct answer is: To administer medications

Administering intravenous fluids is often indicated for delivering medications effectively. This method allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, ensuring a quick therapeutic effect, which is particularly vital in critical care situations where immediate action is needed. While improving oral hydration is important, intravenous fluids primarily serve individuals who cannot tolerate oral intake due to conditions such as vomiting, unconsciousness, or severe dehydration. Enhancing appetite and maintaining skin elasticity, while relevant to patient care, are not direct indications for administering intravenous fluids. Instead, these factors are typically addressed through nutritional management and overall hydration status that may include but is not limited to IV fluids. In summary, the delivery of medications through intravenous fluids is a primary and essential practice in intensive care, driving the need for effective and immediate treatment responses.