KVO can mean different rates amongst the patient care units at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The P and T committee as well as the IVT Practice subcommittee have reviewed the variances. Both committees decided that a statement regarding acceptable KVO flow rates for IV fluids could not be determined.
There is no scientific evidence on which to base fluid rates needed to maintain line patency due to the variability among patients, access (or line) and patient care service. The best recommendation is to have physicians take into account the factors listed and consult with the nurse taking care of the patient to determine best practice on a case by case basis.
Factors to consider prior to determining volume of fluid to maintain an IV line:
-Clinical condition of patient
-Necessity to maintain line open to fluids vs. saline or heparin locked
-Fluid restriction status
-Weight of the child
-Size of the child
-Type of line