Talk to Your Child’s Medical Team

Getting an IV is a routine hospital procedure, but you should always feel comfortable asking your child’s medical team for more information. You may want to ask:

• Why does my child need an IV? Find out more about reasons you might need an IV.
• How long will it be needed?
• What fluids are in the infusion bag, and what do they do?
• What risks are involved, and how can these risks be minimized?
• How do I know if something is wrong with the IV?
• Who should I reach out to if I think something’s gone wrong with the IV?
• Is my child going to receive an infusion on your “high-risk” list?

Prior to IV Insertion: Prepare Your Child for What to Expect

If your child needs an IV, the experience can be stressful for you both. One of the best ways to support your child is to prepare them for the experience ahead of time to lessen their anxiety. These talking points can help your child feel more comfortable with the IV process. These talking points can help you and your child feel more comfortable with the IV process.

“What’s an IV?”

An IV is a tiny, flexible tube that goes into one of your veins. Your veins are like roads. They carry blood all over your body. An IV will help your blood carry IV fluids and medicine to where your body needs it.

“Why do I need an IV?”

Getting an IV is the quickest way for your doctor or nurse to get fluids or medicine into your body, so you start to feel better.

“Will the IV hurt?”

You may feel a prick or sting when your IV line goes in and when it comes out, but the sting will go away quickly. When removed, it will leave a little red mark on your skin where the tube went into the vein. A Band-Aid will cover up the red spot while it gets better. If you feel pain during an infusion, let me and your care team know right away.

“What do I need to do?”

You need to hold your hand or arm still while your IV is placed, but once it’s in you can watch a movie or read a book just like you would be able to do without an IV.

“What happens when I get an IV?”

Here’s what your doctor or nurse will do to get you ready for your IV:

• Look at your hand or arm to find a vein to put the tube into. Sometimes they can put your IV in a different place, but your hand or arm is the most common.
• Put a band around your arm above your elbow or just above your hand to help see your veins. This might feel really tight,  but once the medicine tube is in your vein, the doctor or nurse will take off the band.
• Clean the spot where the IV will go in with a special wipe. It might feel cold while they are cleaning your skin.
• Slide the tube into the vein. You may feel a prick when the doctor or nurse pushes the tube in. The tube will have a little tip that helps it go in, but once it’s in, the tip will come out. Only the tube stays in your vein to deliver your medicine.
• Put some tape and a dressing around the IV to help it stay in place.
• Stay close by to make sure you’re okay.

During IV Insertion: Comfort, Distraction and Reward

Comfort

If you’ll be coming from home, at the doctor’s direction, have your child drink lots of fluid the night before the IV. Being hydrated makes it easier to see the veins. Also, dress your child warmly. When the body is warm, the veins are easier to find.

Sitting up can give your child a sense of control and may help them feel more relaxed since they can see what’s going on. Some children like their parents to hold them during the procedure, so a young child may feel best sitting on your lap.

Distraction

Using distractions during IV insertion is important because it takes several minutes for the nurse to find the vein, thread the catheter, and get the tubing in place.

• Bring your child their favorite toy or blanket to hold while they wait.
• Read a story.
• Blow bubbles.
• Sing a favorite song together.
• Listen to music.
• Watch a movie.
• Help your child imagine they are in their favorite place.
• Do whatever has worked before to help your child stay calm.

Praise and Reward

Praise your child for a job well done. Acknowledge your child’s successes, like when they hold their arm still. Provide rewards at the end of the procedure, such as stickers or a favorite treat on the way home.

After IV Insertion: Monitor the IV Site

Medical staff should regularly check on your child’s IV setup, but it’s also important for you to monitor your child’s IV:

• Make sure your child doesn’t pull on the IV line when getting up.
• Watch the IV site to make sure it stays visible and dry, and the dressing remains securely attached to the skin.
• Look for any changes in appearance at the site, incuding redness, swelling, etc.
• Ask if your child feels pain or tingling.

Know the signs of infiltration and extravasation, or the accidental leaking of the IV infusion outside of the vein into the tissue. Keep an eye out for symptoms like:

• Pain, puffiness or swelling at the insertion point or the arm.
• Redness of the skin.
• Paleness of the skin.

If you notice any of these signs of trouble, notify the nurse right away.

IV lines are an essential part of your child’s care. Your involvement and attentiveness in providing comfort to your child throughout the process, can be the key to creating a positive experience. If you still have questions about IV therapy, be sure to find out the answers to these commonly asked IV questions.