Complications of IV therapy

pallor, local swelling at the site, decreased skin temperature around the site, damp dressing, slowed infusion

• stop the infusion and remove the catheter
• elevate the extremity
• encourage active ROM
• apply warm compresses three to four times/day
• restart the infusion proximal to the site or in another extremity

• carefully select site and catheter
• secure the catheter

• edema
• throbbing
• burning or pain at the site
• increased skin temperature
• erythema
• a red line up the arm with a palpable band at the vein site
• slowed infusion

• same as infiltration
• culture the site and catheter if drainage is present

• rotate sites at least every 72 hours
• avoid the lower extremities
• use hand hygiene
• use surgical aseptic technique

ecchymosis at site

• do not apply alcohol
• apply pressure after IV catheter removal
• use warm compress and elevation after bleeding stops

• minimize tourniquet time
• remove the tourniquet before starting IV infusion
• maintain pressure after IV catheter removal

pain; warmth; edema; induration; red streaking; fever, chills and malaise

• same as phlebitis
• administer: antibiotics, analgesics, and antipyretics

- same as phlebitis

• distended neck veins
• increased blood pressure
• tachycardia
• shortness of breath
• crackles in the lungs
• edema

• - stop infusion
• - raise the HOB
• - asses vital signs
• - adjust rate as prescribed
• - administer diuretics if prescribed

• - use an infusion pump
• - monitor I&O

• missing catheter tip when discontinued
• severe pain at the site with migration
• or no symptoms if no migration

• - place the tourniquet high on the extremity to limit venous flow
• - prepare for removal under x-ray or via surgery
• - save the catheter after removal to determine the cause

- do not reinsert the stylet into the catheter