Your peripheral IV catheter will not interfere with your daily activities if proper care is taken.
Troubleshooting – Peripheral IV
Peripheral IV Catheter Troubleshooting
On occasion, a problem may occur. A list of some of these problems, the causes, and what you should do about them is provided below. Your nurse may provide additional instructions.
Problem #1
Irritation of Vein (Phlebitis)
- Redness at IV site
- Red line following the course of the vein
- Pain/feeling of warmth at the IV site
Possible Cause
- Irritating medications
- Irritation from the IV
- Bacteria/infection
What To Do
- Call your nurse. She/he may give you telephone instructions or make arrangements to see you.
Problem #2
Fluid Running Into The Tissue Rather Than The Vein (Infiltrate)
- Swelling while flushing the IV
- Swelling while your medication is running
- Coolness or blanching of your skin
Possible Cause
- Dislodged IV
What To Do
- Call your nurse. She/he may give you telephone instructions or make arrangements to see you.
Problem #3
Leaking
Possible Cause
- Loose injection cap
- Dislodged IV
- Damaged IV
What To Do
- Stop the infusion
- Check injection cap and tighten if necessary
- If the problem persists, call your nurse.
Problem #4
Resistance To Catheter Flushing. Medication Will Not Run Or Runs Slowly.
Possible Cause
- Roller clamp on tubing is not adjusted correctly
- Bag is spiked incorrectly
- Tubing is kinked
What To Do
- Check solution bag and spike connection.
- Check height of bag, (if gravity infusion).
- Check to be sure tubing is not clamped or kinked.
- Try changing the position of your arm.
- Stop the infusion and flush your catheter with saline (or sterile water if instructed) and attempt to restart the infusion.
- If the problem persists, call your nurse.
Problem #5
IV Falls Out
Possible Cause
- Dressing not securing IV catheter correctly.
What To Do
- Apply gauze to site.
- Apply pressure.
- Tape gauze in place.
- Call your nurse to arrange for a new catheter.
Important Tips
Always keep pets and animals out of the room while connecting the infusions to your IV. Always cover IV with plastic wrap when bathing – Sponge bathing is recommended.
Your IV Will Always Be Started And/Or Changed By Your Nurse. Keep Dressing Clean And Dry.
- IV sites will be rotated or changed every 72 hours or according to your doctor’s orders.
- Inspect your IV site for any red, swollen or tender-to-touch areas. If this occurs, DO NOT use the IV. Call your nurse immediately.
- When bathing or showering, protect your IV by covering the site with a water proof covering.
- If IV tape appears to be loosening, reinforce with tape around the edges.
