Putting lines in

What are "lines"?

There are different kinds of "lines" with different uses. Some are used to give patients fluids and medications, most commonly in the small veins in the hand or arms (sometimes called a cannula).Some medication needs to be given via a large vein (where the richer blood supply dilutes it) in the neck or groin (sometimes called a central line). These types of lines are also used to give liquid nutrition (TPN or Total Parenteral Nutrition).

Other "lines" might be used for monitoring the patient's blood pressure or fluid status. An arterial line monitors the patients' fluid status (which is important in maintaining blood pressure). These are normally put in the larger veins in the neck or groin.