Patient education: What to watch for when you have an IV (The Basics)

What is an IV? — An IV is a thin tube, or "catheter," that goes through the skin into a vein. IV is short for "intravenous."

An IV is used to give fluids, blood, or medicines directly into the bloodstream.

What problems can happen with an IV? — Some people have problems with IVs. Examples of problems include:

●The tip of the IV catheter slips out of the vein.

●The catheter pushes through the wall of the vein.

●Fluid or medicine leaks out from where the catheter enters the vein. It can then builds up in the tissue around the vein.

●Germs get into the body through the IV and cause an infection.

●A small blood clot forms near the tip of the IV – This is called "thrombosis."

●The vein becomes inflamed – This is called "phlebitis."

What increases the risk of problems with an IV? — Some things increase the chance of having a problem with an IV. Your risk depends on:

●Your age – Older adults and small children are more likely to have a problem with an IV.

●The type of fluids or medicines going through the IV

●How long the IV has been in place

●Where on the body the IV is placed

●If there were any problems when the IV was placed

How do I stay safe when I have an IV? — You and the hospital staff will work together to lower your risk of having problems with your IV.

The doctors and nurses will:

●Take extra care when they place the IV – This means wearing gloves, cleaning your skin well, and covering the IV with a bandage to keep it clean.

●Make sure the IV is working well – They might give you a small amount of fluid in the IV a few times a day, and before and after medicines.

●Take the IV out as soon as it is no longer needed – Once the IV is out, you or the staff will hold pressure on the area to stop bleeding where the IV was in. Put a bandage over the area, and keep it on for several hours. If there is no bleeding or another problem, leave the area open to air to finish healing.

To help prevent infection:

●Using hand sanitizer often is very important (figure 1). Both you and the staff should use hand sanitizer before and after you touch the IV. Also use hand sanitizer if you are touching the bandage or tubing.

●Visitors and staff should always use hand sanitizer before and after visiting. If you do not see someone use hand sanitizer, ask them to.

To care for the IV and tubing:

●The IV will be covered with a bandage where it enters your body. This also helps to hold the IV in place. Ask the staff to change the bandage if it gets loose, wet, or dirty.

●Keep the IV and tubing secure. This is to prevent the IV from being pulled or catching the tube on anything when you move around.

●Avoid touching the IV and tubing as much as possible. Do not let visitors touch the IV or tubing.

When should I call a doctor or nurse? — Let the doctor or nurse know if:

●The IV falls out all or part of the way.

●It burns when a medicine or fluid goes through the IV.

●You have any pain or changes where the IV enters your skin.

●You notice any cracks or leaks in the IV or tubing.

●Your skin is red, swollen, or sore near the IV.

●Your skin around the IV is a different color, or there is a red streak near the IV.

●There is fluid draining from the IV.

●You have any concerns about the IV.

More on this topic

Patient education: IV infiltration (The Basics)
Patient education: Superficial vein phlebitis and thrombosis (The Basics)