For example, if this happens with a hand IV site you would compress
the forearm using either a tourniquet, or more simply, by encircling the
patient's arm with your thumb and index fingers of both hands. Logic
dictates that if the IV is intravascular, compressing the venous system
proximal to the site will slow the flow of the fluid. If it's misplaced, the
fluid will continue to flow into the surrounding space and the pressure
will have no effect on the flow rate.
If this trick shows the IV is in fact intravascular, the observed fluid
leakage/infiltration is usually transient and will stop spontaneously
after a few minutes. I find a firmly taped 2x2 gauze helps in this
regard. This technique has saved many of my patients from additional
and unnecessary IV attempts, and has saved me time and effort.
Charles A. DeFrancesco, MD
Delmont Surgery Center
Greensburg, Pa.
napman@comcast.net
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