IV Therapy

Thank you for receiving IV therapy today. To ensure proper healing and avoid complications, please follow these post-care instructions carefully.

1. Site Care

• Keep the IV insertion site clean and dry for at least 24 hours after removal.
• You may remove the bandage after 1–2 hours, unless otherwise instructed.
• If you experience any oozing or bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad until it stops.
• Avoid applying lotions, creams, or ointments to the site until fully healed.

2. Expected Reactions

It is normal to experience:

• Mild tenderness or soreness at the site.
• Slight bruising or redness.
• A small lump under the skin that should resolve in a few days.

To relieve discomfort:

• Apply a cool compress for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling or bruising.
• After 24 hours, you can use a warm compress to promote healing if tenderness persists.

3. Activity

• You may resume normal activities after your IV therapy, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise involving the arm used for IV access for at least 24 hours.
• Try not to bump or rub the area.

4. When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider or visit the nearest clinic if you notice:

• Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at the site.
• Pus or drainage from the insertion site.
• Persistent bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure.
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection.
• A hard vein or red streak moving up your arm (possible phlebitis).

5. Additional Notes

• If you had medication infused, follow any specific instructions given about hydration, rest, or diet.
• For future treatments, inform your nurse if you experienced any pain, bruising, or difficulty with today’s IV.

Emergency Contact

If you experience severe pain, swelling, or allergic symptoms (difficulty breathing, dizziness, hives), seek emergency care immediately or call 911.