What happens if you put an IV in the wrong way?

When an IV is not inserted properly or is otherwise misused, fluids or medicine can leak into the surrounding tissue. This is called IV infiltration, and it can cause harm ranging from irritation to fluid overload, infections, nerve damage, stroke, brain injury, or even death.

How do I choose an IV site?

When selecting an IV site, assessment of the patient’s condition, vein condition, vein size and location, patient age, and the type and duration of therapy should be done to insure ideal and safe IV access. The most distal sites should be used first, so that you can move proximally as needed.

What are the common mistakes in IV insertion?

Some of the most common causes of IV injury include the following:

• Improper insertion of the catheter such as wrong angle or position;
• Multiple failed attempts to insert the IV causing “pinprick” damage to the surrounding tissue and vein, thus making it fail;
• Use of an oversized catheter;

Can you take a shower with an IV in?

Keep the IV dry. Do not swim, bathe, or soak in a hot tub. You may shower. Tape the ends of the plastic above and below the IV to keep water out.

What happens if you bend your arm with an IV?

When that occurs, it is called an IV infiltration. An IV line can cause an infiltration without a nurse or doctor being negligent. The catheter might have been inserted in the wrist or elbow area where the natural bending or movement of the limb could cause the catheter to move or migrate.

Do IV lines hurt?

When an IV needle is placed, it can cause some slight discomfort. You may feel a small sting or pinch for a few seconds when the needle is inserted in your arm or hand. If you’re particularly sensitive to needles, you may want to ask for a numbing cream, so you don’t feel the needle when it goes in.

What is the most serious risk of intravenous therapy?

Complications of IV Therapy

1. Phlebitis. Inflammation of the vein.
2. Extravasation. This happens when the liquid in the IV leaks to the tissue surrounding the vein.
3. Air Embolism. This happens when an air bubble (or air bubbles) enters the vein.
4. Hypervolaemia. This is an abnormal increase in blood volume.
5. Infection.

Where should my IV be placed?

When your nurse asks you where you’d like the IV placed, consider how much you’ll be moving during your infusion or your procedure. For instance, if you’re going to be using your hands (knitting, typing or whatever), ask for a forearm site. The more you move the place where the IV is, the more likely it will twinge or become sore.

How often should an IV be checked on a patient?

Length of time IV site in place. IV infusions are to be checked at least hourly as follows: Check rate, redness, swelling, pain, wet dressing, purulent discharge, thrombosis, or infiltration. Document findings of hourly assessments at least once a shift. If symptoms present, discontinue IV and have appropriate person restart.

What should I do if my patient is nervous about IVs?

When you’re done, have the patient lay or recline where they’ll be receiving their IV. When patients are nervous, their veins may contract somewhat in a process called vasoconstriction. This makes it harder to start an IV, so make sure your patient is as relaxed and comfortable as possible before proceeding.

Can you place an IV by seeing a superficial vein?

In this instance, you may be able to place an IV by seeing a smaller superficial vein. The good news with this method is that your target is in plain sight, and should be relatively easy to aim at. Just know that it’s probably going to be a very shallow vein, and its chances of blowing are probably higher.