PIV
Medical abbreviation · Nursing
| Stands for | Peripheral intravenous catheter |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PIV stands for Peripheral intravenous catheter, a nursing abbreviation.
Short catheter inserted into a vein of the hand, forearm or upper arm for fluids, medications or blood draws. Nurses document gauge, site, insertion date and site condition every shift.
Example: 20g PIV R forearm, flushes easily, no redness or swelling.
Usage notes
Also called PIVC or simply "an IV". Gauge numbers run backward: 18-gauge is larger than 22-gauge. Infiltration and phlebitis are the commonest complications, and many hospitals now replace catheters only when clinically indicated rather than on a fixed 72- to 96-hour schedule. Ultrasound guidance helps in patients with difficult veins.
Related abbreviations
More nursing abbreviations
- OGT – Orogastric tube
- OOB – Out of bed
- PERRL – Pupils equal, round, reactive to light
- PERRLA – Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation
- PI – Pressure injury
- PICC – Peripherally inserted central catheter
- QSEN – Quality and Safety Education for Nurses
- ROC – Resumption of care
- s/p – Status post
- SCDs – Sequential compression devices
- SL – Saline lock
- SN – Skilled nursing
See all 90 nursing abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.