26/10/2025
The IV therapy complications
🩸 Hematoma
What is it?
Blood collects under the skin.
Symptoms:
• Bruising (ecchymosis)
• Painful, hard lump with blood at the site
What to do (Treatment):
• Raise the area
• Apply pressure and ice
💨 Air Embolism
What is it?
Air enters the vein through the IV tube.
Symptoms:
• Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Chest pain
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion or fainting
• Bluish skin (cyanosis)
What to do (Treatment):
• Clamp the IV tubing
• Turn the patient on their left side and lower the head (Trendelenburg position)
• Call the doctor (HCP)
💧 Infiltration
What is it?
IV fluid leaks into nearby tissue.
Symptoms:
• Pain, swelling, coolness, or numbness at the IV site
• No blood return in the IV line
What to do (Treatment):
• Remove the IV
• Raise the arm/leg (elevate)
• Apply warm or cold compress
• Don’t massage the area
🦠 Infection
What is it?
Germs enter the body through the IV line.
Symptoms:
• Fever, chills
• Redness and swelling
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling unwell, nausea, vomiting
What to do (Treatment):
• Remove the IV
• Collect a culture sample
• Give antibiotics if needed
💧💨 Circulatory Overload
What is it?
Too much IV fluid too fast → fluid overload.
Symptoms:
• High blood pressure
• Neck veins bulging
• Difficulty breathing
• Wet cough/crackling sounds
What to do (Treatment):
• Slow the IV rate
• Raise the head of the bed
• Keep the patient warm
• Call the doctor
🔥 Phlebitis
What is it?
Vein gets inflamed (may lead to a clot).
Symptoms:
• Heat, redness, tenderness at the site
• Slow IV flow
What to do (Treatment):
• Remove the IV
• Inform the doctor
• Restart the IV on the other side
