Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

What are some common indications for infusion therapy?

1. Blood sampling

2. Administration of drugs

3. Simple hydration

4. Physical therapy

The correct answer is: Administration of drugs

Infusion therapy plays a crucial role in various clinical settings, especially in intensive care medicine. Infusion therapy is primarily indicated for the administration of drugs that require controlled delivery and specific dosing. This is essential for medications that are critical for managing acute conditions, such as antibiotics, vasopressors, sedatives, or analgesics. The precise control offered by infusion therapy allows healthcare providers to administer medications at constant rates or in boluses to achieve desired therapeutic effects while minimizing potential side effects. This method ensures that patients receive the correct concentration of medication over time, which is particularly important in cases involving complex drug regimens or when rapid pharmacological action is required. In contrast, while hydration and blood sampling are important, they do not encompass the broader therapeutic uses of infusion therapy focused on medication delivery. Physical therapy, while vital for patient recovery, does not relate to infusion therapy at all. Thus, the administration of drugs stands out as the primary indication for infusion therapy.