Intravenous therapy may be an exciting new way to improve your health, but it may also be intimidating for first time patients. From intravenous drips or allergic reactions, you might have heard of a mild bruise. IV therapy is generally safe, but like virtually any medical procedure, there is always a risk of complications.
That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced IV therapy provider. To reduce the risk of this happening, click here to talk to healthcare professionals, who adhere to sterile and aseptic procedures when carrying out IV therapy.
Here are some of the common first-time patient concerns:
Table of Contents
Infiltration
One of the concerns that may arise in connection to IV therapy is the possibility of infiltration. Infiltration takes place as the IV fluid or drug are entering into the surrounding tissues rather than the bloodstream.
It may occur when the IV catheter is dislodged or the vein is injured during the insertion. Infiltration may be the reason for the swelling, pain, and discomfort where the IV is placed, and it could even result in complications such as damage or infection of the tissue.
The healthcare professionals should check the site of IV regularly to discover the infiltration as early as possible and take timely measures to prevent the worsening of complications.
Extravasation
The problem of extravasation is one of the reasons why people hesitate to resort to IV therapy. Extravasation is a process where either the drip being administered through the vein escapes the vein or the surrounding tissues. This can damage the skin as well as the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles in the area.
Careful monitoring of the IV site is very crucial as any signs of extravasation, swelling, pain or blistering should be observed. In the event that extravasation takes place, rapid actions must be taken to halt the infusion, remove the IV catheter, and provide suitable treatment to reduce the harm caused.
Air Embolism
However, IV therapy can be a possible source of air embolism where air bubbles can be injected into the bloodstream leading to complications and tissue damage. Nevertheless, the risk is potentially low if measures are taken in due course. Healthcare practitioners are taught to put and use intravenous lines, emptying them of air bubbles before the actual infusion. Fully functional filters can as well diminish the threat. It is true that the air embolism can be a concern, but with a proper protocol, this can be effectively managed and minimized.
Vein Damage
IV therapy can cause vein damage due to repetitive or inaccurate needle insertion, leading to inflammation, irritation, or thrombosis. Two potential problems can arise when fluid is injected into a vein: phlebitis and thrombophlebitis.
Phlebitis occurs when the IV catheter irritates the vein wall, while thrombophlebitis is a complication of vein inflammation and blood clot development. Both conditions are painful and require medical treatment. Healthcare providers should pay special attention to the IV site and take necessary steps to prevent them.
Hypersensitivity
However, IV treatment can have a downside of hypersensitivity. There are some patients whose bodies can react allergically or sensitively to ingredients of the IV fluid or drugs. This, however, may be presented differently for example when one itches, rashes, swells or has difficulties in breathing.
Healthcare providers should be careful about patient’s conditions and the risks of hypersensitivity reactions due to IV therapy and take appropriate actions to prevent them. Besides IV treatment, keeping an eye on any indications of allergy is also a critical issue that needs immediate action if any signs occur. Thus, this might not be so easy to identify.
Infection
IV therapy is also a major concern to patients because it is contagious. The entry of a needle into a vein may cause some bacteria or microorganisms to enter the bloodstream and subsequently, the process of infection will start. This is exactly the situation when the worst possible complications occur and even death is possible.
IV therapy uses sterile equipment, site cleansing, and checking of infection symptoms. Education and awareness of infection prevention and hygiene practices can help in reducing infections during IV therapy.
Final Words
With IV therapy, fluids, medications and supplements can be administered in a more efficient and quicker manner, which is why it is a valuable treatment option in many medical scenarios. Nevertheless, the correct adherence and monitoring is important to minimize infection, vein damage, and other complications. Although IV therapy is a safe and effective medical procedure, these concerns should be addressed and proper guidelines followed in order to make it one.
Moreover, a healthcare provider such as Health Quest, their medical experts handle IV treatments to reduce risk and ensure comfort, adhering to appropriate protocols and safety measures, ensuring patients can trust their care.
