A fluid bolus is a rapid infusion of intravenous fluid or medication. This is usually administered to correct a life-threatening condition. When an individual receives a fluid bolus he must be carefully monitored by properly trained health care personnel.

There are many conditions that require the administration of fluids rapidly through an intravenous (IV) line. An IV bolus may be given to an individual who is severely dehydrated. The dehydration may be the result of a long period of vomiting or diarrhea. In most cases this fluid loss will be replenished with a fluid bolus of normal saline.

Normal saline is simply a mixed solution of salt and water. It is usually the first solution used for an IV bolus because it is considered the safest solution. However, if an individual has a health condition that affects the pumping action of his heart, he must be monitored closely. If the heart cannot pump effectively enough, the excess fluid can build up in his lungs and cause breathing problems.

If an individual suffers from trauma or any other condition in which he is losing a large amount of blood, then a fluid bolus may be ordered until he can receive a blood transfusion. The fluid bolus may consist of normal saline, or it may consist of another type of intravenous fluid. It is up to the doctor to decide the type of fluid needed based on the individual's health condition.

Certain medications may require a bolus or a loading dose before a continuous drip of the medicine is administered. This bolus dose may be delivered by direct intravenous injection over two or three minutes, or it may be given through an intravenous pump over a longer period of time. Intravenous medications that affect the heart are just one example of medicines that may require a bolus.

The fluid bolus is administered by a trained health care personnel. The heart and lungs of the individual receiving the bolus are assessed prior to, during and, after the administration of the IV bolus. Blood pressure is carefully monitored during the infusion also.

The bolus equipment used during an intravenous administration of fluid consists of a large-size needle that is placed into a large vein. This needle will be attached to a long plastic tube. The tube is connected to a bag that contains the prescribed bolus solution. An intravenous pump may or may not be used. Faster administration is accomplished if the fluids are not delivered via an infusion pump.