yes one can survive quite a while on ivs but there would need to be special fluids that provide additional nutritional support (calories) not just fluid replacement. nasogastric tubes (through the nose and into the stomach) can be inserted to put special nutritional solutions directly in the stomach or a surgical portal can be put int he stomach to do the same. for this is only for a short time iv fluids will suffice. of course a confused person would have to tolerate any of these tubes and not pull them out.
how long can a person survive without eating or drinking on iv fluids? . this person was admitted into hospital following a series of seizures. she is 53 years old with down syndrome and alzheimers. she is refusing to eat or drink.