What does the abbreviation "IV" stand for in medical practice?

The abbreviation "IV" stands for "Intravenous," which refers to the delivery of fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a person's bloodstream through a vein. This method is commonly used in medical settings for various purposes, such as hydration, administering medications quickly, or providing nutrition when a person cannot eat by mouth. The intravenous route allows for immediate absorption and distribution of the substance throughout the body, making it a critical technique in emergency medicine, as well as in other medical treatments.

While the other options—Inhalation, Intramuscular, and Eye—pertain to different methods of administering substances, they do not accurately describe the intravenous route. Inhalation refers to delivering substances via the respiratory system, Intramuscular involves injection into a muscle, and Eye pertains to treatments administered directly to the eye, none of which align with the abbreviation "IV."