What is the KVO (Keep Vein Open) rate in IV therapy?

In intravenous (IV) therapy, the KVO (Keep Vein Open) rate is the minimum rate of fluid infusion necessary to maintain venous patency. This is particularly important for ensuring that the IV line remains open for medication administration or for drawing blood samples as needed.

The KVO rate is typically set at a low volume to prevent excess fluid from being administered while keeping the vein adequately perfused. A common KVO rate in clinical practice is approximately 25cc/hr, as it strikes a balance between maintaining venous access and minimizing the risk of fluid overload or complications related to higher rates. Maintaining this rate helps ensure that the IV remains patent without unnecessarily hydrating the patient.

Other rates mentioned in the options, such as 50cc/hr, 75cc/hr, and 100cc/hr, are generally considered too high for a KVO rate, increasing the potential for fluid overload, especially in patients with certain conditions. Thus, the most appropriate KVO rate is 25cc/hr.