IVs are commonly used to deliver fluids, medications, or blood products, but they come with risks, such as IV infiltration complications. Signs of IV infiltration include swelling, redness, puffiness, and pain around the IV site. If not identified and treated promptly, IV infiltration can lead to serious complications.
Read on to learn more about the meaning of IV infiltration, potential IV infiltration signs, and when to seek legal assistance. If you have any questions or would like to speak with a New Mexico medical malpractice lawyer, contact us today.
IV Therapy: A Basic Understanding
IV therapy employs a simple yet effective technique. Medical professionals use a needle to puncture the vein and then place a plastic catheter over the needle.
They remove the needle, leaving the catheter in the vein to administer fluids. Unfortunately, IV therapy is not immune to errors, and one prevalent mishap is IV infiltrations.
What Is IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration occurs when fluid leaks into tissues under the skin near the catheter. This happens if the catheter tip slips out of the vein. Symptoms include swelling, pain, or burning around the IV area. This is a common complication.
Certain movements by the patient can also trigger IV infiltrations, emphasizing the importance of vigilant patient monitoring.
Causes of IV Infiltration
Understanding the underlying causes of IV infiltration can help patients and providers prevent serious harm. IV infiltration complications often occur when there is a failure to insert or secure the catheter properly. Common causes include improper needle placement, fragile veins, excessive movement of the limb with the IV, or prolonged IV use without frequent site monitoring.
The risk is higher in pediatric and elderly populations due to more delicate veins. According to a study published in the Journal of Infusion Nursing, up to 23% of peripheral IVs in pediatric patients result in infiltration or extravasation, highlighting the importance of rigorous oversight in vulnerable groups.
Potential Compensation for IV Infiltration Injuries
Victims of IV infiltration complications may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, long-term disability, and loss of income. In severe cases, such as those involving nerve damage or amputation, these damages can be substantial. Pursuing a claim under New Mexico’s medical malpractice laws requires strong evidence and expert testimony—a challenge our team is well-equipped to handle.
Recognizing the Signs of IV Infiltration
Early detection is key to minimizing IV infiltration complications. Patients and caregivers should be educated on the most telling signs of IV infiltration. Signs to look out for include:
- Swelling, discomfort, or redness around the IV site;
- Skin appearing white, taut, or blanched;
- Wet bandages or leaking fluid; and
- Slowed or halted flow of the IV infusion.
Awareness of IV infiltration signs is crucial in preventing the condition from escalating. Healthcare providers must keep a keen eye out for these symptoms at the IV site.
The New Mexico Board of Nursing generally follows guidelines provided by the National Health Institute, which emphasize that nurses must assess and document IV sites every two hours or more frequently if there are concerns. Failure to do so may be considered a deviation from the standard of care and can be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Complications of IV Infiltration
If left unchecked, IV infiltration can escalate from mild discomfort to more severe complications such as:
- Skin damage, including scars, blisters, sores, or ulcers;
- Serious infections;
- Permanent nerve damage;
- Vein ruptures; and
- Reduced functionality or amputation of the affected limb.
Proper attention and care from medical staff can prevent these complications. When a healthcare provider fails to recognize signs of IV infiltration, they might be guilty of medical negligence.
Taking Action After IV Infiltration Complications
If you or your loved one suffers from IV infiltration complications, the first step is to seek immediate medical evaluation. Request that the infiltration be documented thoroughly in your medical record, including photos if possible. Ask for a copy of your treatment notes and incident reports related to the event.
Next, consider reporting the incident to the New Mexico Department of Health or the appropriate licensing board if negligence is suspected. Medical professionals in New Mexico are held to a standard defined by the Medical Malpractice Act, which governs claims involving negligent healthcare providers.
Poulos & Coates can help you navigate this process. Our team knows how to evaluate whether IV infiltration complications were preventable and if your provider failed to meet their duty of care.
Healthcare Provider Responsibilities
Medical providers must uphold a certain standard of care. In the context of IV therapies, this involves proper IV insertion, right catheter selection, and adhering to safety protocols.
Regularly monitoring patients and their IV sites is crucial, as it could prevent serious IV infiltration complications. When healthcare professionals fail to meet these responsibilities, and an injury occurs as a result, they may be held legally accountable for medical malpractice.
When to Seek Legal Help for IV Infiltration
You might have a valid New Mexico medical malpractice claim if you or a loved one suffered damages from an IV infiltration. If you recognize signs of IV infiltration, act fast.
Your health comes first, so always alert a medical professional who can assess the injury site. You’ll also want an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to discuss whether you have a viable claim, especially in cases involving IV infiltration injuries.
At Poulos & Coates, we are one of only a few firms solely focusing on medical malpractice cases. We are one of only two New Mexico firms with a lawyer who’s also a medical doctor.
You’ll also find we have an on-staff nurse who helps with malpractice cases. Our record of success speaks for itself, making us one of the best medical malpractice law firms in Las Cruces.
With 70 years of combined legal experience, our New Mexico medical malpractice lawyers will tirelessly fight for the compensation you deserve.
Medical malpractice claims can be complex, so it’s essential to consult with a lawyer who specializes in these cases, such as an IV infiltration lawyer, to ensure the best possible outcome.
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Greig Coates, M.D., J.D.
Over the last thirty years, Dr. Coates has successfully represented plaintiffs in every conceivable type of medical malpractice lawsuit–from single-physician cases to complex litigation involving over a dozen doctors and several hospitals. Dr. Coates has taken several thousand physician depositions in his career involving every known physician specialty and sub-specialty, and almost as many depositions involving hospital personnel such as nurses, techs, and administrators. He has tried several dozen cases to successful verdicts.
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