What is IV therapy primarily used for?

IV therapy is primarily used for delivering medication directly into a vein, which allows for rapid absorption and distribution throughout the body. This method is particularly effective for administering treatments that require immediate effects, such as pain relief, hydration, electrolyte balance, or critical medications in emergency situations. By using an intravenous route, healthcare providers can ensure that the medication reaches its target more quickly than oral medications, which must first be absorbed through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.

The other choices do not accurately represent the primary use of IV therapy. Delivering nutrition through the digestive tract refers to enteral feeding methods, while monitoring blood pressure is a separate clinical procedure. Blood transfusions, while they can be performed using IV therapy, are a specific application rather than the primary purpose of this practice.