IV Infiltration and Other Problems

[kayvary]

I have a question about IV infiltration. I saw a patient who had IV fluids running. The IV was in the forearm. The hand was swollen and cold. I have only learned about edema happening at or above the site of the IV, not below. When the IV was flushed, no "bubble" formed, seemed like it flushed okay. Is is possible the hand edema was from the IV infiltrating? The patient did have her arm angled down. Also I am looking for a picture with a good example of phlebitis, anyone know where I can find one online? I have only seen one pic before and it wasn't very helpful. Thanks

[BluntForceTrauma]

\ said:

I have a question about IV infiltration. I saw a patient who had IV fluids running. The IV was in the forearm. The hand was swollen and cold. I have only learned about edema happening at or above the site of the IV not below. When the IV was flushed, no "bubble" formed, seemed like it flushed okay. Is is possible the hand edema was from the IV infiltrating? The patient did have her arm angled down. Also I am looking for a picture with a good example of phlebitis, anyone know where I can find one online? I have only seen one pic before and it wasn't very helpful.

Were you able to compare it to the other hand? Usually it is above the site but I could imagine if she had her hand down the swelling could have shifted. Any swelling near an IV site would cause me to start a new IV

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Quote

The hand was swollen and cold.

Swelling around any IV site is cause for concern especially when accompanied with the extremity being cold. If an IV has been left to infiltrate long enough...there will be so much swelling no bubble will form.

One thing that is unique to nursing.......the human body has NOT read your text and will respond accordingly.

Phlebitis

BAD IV infiltration

IV infiltration child.............

the entire arm