CARE TO BE TAKEN DURING FLUID ADMINISTRATION

It’s amazing to find an infusion nurse who carries out her tasks without a hitch. It could just simply be administering fluids to patients when the need arises. Well, don’t get confused with those who draw blood. As you scroll ahead, we hope that every single question about infusion therapy is answered.  

An infusion nurse plays a role quite differently than a phlebotomist. He/she inserts a catheter into the vein and administers fluids or any type of medication available in liquid form. On the other hand, a phlebotomist inserts a tip into the skin’s surface to draw out blood. Once all the blood tubes are collected, the needle is removed immediately.

Once IVs are inserted, dry heat paves way for success. Yes, this statement is true. So, whenever you become a patient, never hesitate to ask the nurse to apply dry heat. This is because heat leads towards increasing blood flow and helps for good venous dilatation. Much more than this, you would be able to discern the veins properly. To put it better, it aids you to trace veins with uniform across the length.

Much before venipuncture, a patient should pack his or her system with fluids. Better still, water can be an alternative. If you’re in the hospital, then you should remember to intake fluid as much as possible. Never wait till the eleventh hour till you get dehydrated. You won’t be at peace and won’t be able to sleep well. Stick to water only. Don’t fill yourself with something heavy like alcoholic drinks. You can also grab liquid foods among health care products.

It’s never a good habit to get the same vein punctured. We suggest doctors search for some other location. Repeated puncture at the same area, may lead to damages and thereby result into getting caught with sclerosis. Blood circulation won’t be better and can pose to be a problem as far as personal care is concerned.

Always make it a point to maintain a relaxed posture. Take deep breaths and hold your arms just as you would go about with a casual gesture. Tense muscles can cause veins to constrict and make it tough for catheter advancement. There’s always a likelihood that the diameter of veins becomes smaller and there’s insufficient room for blood flow.

Never permit nurses to keep pricking you till a suitable vein is found. Two unsuccessful IV attempts are allowed. But, the nurse should be dead1 sure for the last and third time. Post the attempts, think about taking a short break of a few minutes. Request the nurse to apply dry heat and ask them to be patient till they have tracked the vein. Consider this action as final and no chance of going wrong.

Finally, if you can’t buy time, think about tools from medical supply stores online and get a feel of what you need to buy.