What is the most common IV complication?
What is the most common IV complication?
The most common include:
- Phlebitis. Inflammation of the vein.
- Extravasation. This happens when the liquid in the IV leaks to the tissue surrounding the vein.
- Air Embolism. This happens when an air bubble (or air bubbles) enters the vein.
- Hypervolaemia. This is an abnormal increase in blood volume.
- Infection.
Which of the following is the most common problem with IV therapy?
IV infiltration is a common complication of intravenous (IV) therapy. According to current medical reports, about 50% of IVs fail, with over 20% of those failures due to infiltration or extravasation.
What happens if you mess up an IV?
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.
What causes an IV to fail?
Dislodgement can happen due to a variety of other reasons – sweating, hair around the IV site, and skin oils can cause the dressing to become less sticky and come loose more easily. The IV can also become dislodged when the site is bumped or IV tubing is accidentally pulled.
What are the possible complications of IV insertion?
Complications include infection, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, emboli, pain, haematoma or haemorrhage, extravasation, arterial cannulation and needlestick injuries. Careful adherence to guidelines and procedures can minimise these risks.
What happens if IV hits a nerve?
When an i.v. catheter penetrates a nerve, it can cause temporary or permanent damage. After sustaining an injury, a nerve will regenerate in an attempt to reconnect with the fibers it once innervated. Recovery from nerve damage may take only weeks or a year or more.
Can an IV cause permanent damage?
The nerve damage caused by IV insertion and/or venipuncture can be permanent and severe. Some patients lose feeling in hand and through arm or experience periodic or constant burning sensations. IV nerve damage can also occur in the central nervous system line and in the neck, but usually occurs in the arm and hand.
Can an IV cause nerve damage?
When an IV catheter penetrates a nerve, it can cause temporary or permanent damage. After sustaining an injury, a nerve will regenerate in an attempt to reconnect with the fibers it once innervated. Recovery from nerve damage may take only weeks or a year or more.
How do you manage IV complications?
Management
- Stop the infusion and remove the device.
- Elevate the limb to increase patient comfort; a warm compress may be applied.
- Check the patient’s pulse and capillary refill time.
- Perform venipuncture in a different location and restart the infusion, as ordered.
- Check the site frequently.
Can IV cause nerve damage?
How do you prevent IV complications?
Infection
- Perform hand hygiene, don gloves, and use aseptic technique during I.V.
- Clean the site with approved skin antiseptic before inserting I.V.
- Ensure careful hand hygiene before any contact with the infusion system or the patient.
- Clean injection ports before each use.