What is a hospital IV used for?

An IV is used to administer fluids and medications intraveinously, or via the veins. It is common procedure to start an IV on patients as a safety precaution; if a patient needs immediate administration of a particular medication, the IV delivers the meds immediately through the veins. IV's are also used to ensure the patient doesn't become dehydrated, since they deliver a pre-determined dose (or drip) of glucose to ensure the patient receives enough fluids. Other meds are given by IV's also, such as antibiotics, anaesthesia, etc. in addition to emergency administration of meds.