Intravenous (IV) therapy is a routine procedure employed across medical settings to administer fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream.
However, not all IV procedures go as planned. One complication is IV infiltration. What is infiltration of an IV?
Simply put, it occurs when the fluid administered through the IV leaks out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue.
If not addressed promptly, this IV insertion error can cause discomfort, swelling, and sometimes severe complications.
For patients in New Mexico, understanding IV infiltration is essential for health reasons and knowing when these medical mishaps might warrant legal action.
If you believe you have experienced a mishap with your IV insertion, please contact the New Mexico medical malpractice lawyers at Poulos & Coates right away.
What Causes IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration happens when an IV cannula, which should be securely positioned within a vein to deliver treatment, dislodges or pierces the vein wall.
This displacement allows the infused fluid to escape into the surrounding soft tissue, which cannot absorb it quickly. This error can occur for several reasons:
- The IV may be improperly placed initially,
- The vein could be fragile or small, or
- The cannula may shift due to patient movement.
When IV fluids, especially those that are irritative or vesicant, infiltrate surrounding tissues, patients may experience a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Understanding the causes of IV infiltration can empower patients to advocate for themselves during treatment, ensuring that any signs of complications are addressed promptly to avoid further harm.
IV Infiltration Signs
Identifying the early signs of IV infiltration is crucial for minimizing damage and expediting recovery. Common signs include:
- Swelling. The most noticeable sign is a swelling around the IV site, which may feel spongy or firm to the touch.
- Pain or discomfort. Patients often report increasing pain or a burning sensation at the infusion site, which may not align with the expected sensations of a standard IV infusion.
- Coolness. The skin around the IV site might feel cooler than other areas due to the leakage of fluids into the surrounding tissues.
- Reduced flow rate. If the infusion slows down or stops, it may indicate that the fluid is not entering the vein properly.
- Redness or bruising. Redness or bruising can appear around the site as the fluid irritates the tissue.
Prompt recognition and response to these signs are essential. Patients should notify healthcare providers immediately if they notice any of these symptoms, as early intervention can prevent more severe complications.
Potential Complications of IV Infiltration
If left untreated, IV infiltration can lead to more serious health issues. The severity of complications often depends on the type of fluid, the amount, and how long the infiltration goes untreated. Complications can include:
- Edema: Persistent swelling that can restrict movement and cause significant discomfort;
- Infection: Any break in the skin can become a gateway for bacteria, potentially leading to infections;
- Tissue damage: Some IV fluids harm soft tissues and can cause cell damage and necrosis if they accumulate outside the vein; and
- Compartment syndrome: Occurs when swelling within an enclosed bundle of muscles builds to dangerous levels, potentially requiring surgical intervention to relieve pressure.
Understanding the potential complications underscores the importance of timely and effective treatment.
If you have questions about what is infiltration of an IV and whether you have any legal recourse, contact a New Mexico medical malpractice lawyer.
Treatment and Recovery from IV Infiltration
The first step in treatment for IV infiltration is to stop the infusion and remove the IV catheter to prevent further leakage. The IV infiltration treatment plan then depends on the severity of the infiltration and the fluid type involved.
Common approaches include:
- Elevating the affected limb. Raising the arm or leg can help reduce swelling and promote the absorption of the leaked fluid back into the bloodstream.
- Applying warm or cold compresses. The choice depends on the type of fluid infiltrated. Warm compresses can enhance blood flow and aid absorption, while cold compresses can reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Monitoring for infection. Keeping an eye on the symptoms and the condition of the site is crucial. Signs of infection may require prompt medical intervention.
- Pain management. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage discomfort. In cases of severe pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger medication.
Recovery from IV infiltration can vary. While many patients experience full recovery without long-term effects, some may have lingering symptoms or complications.
Continuous monitoring and follow-up care with healthcare providers ensure that any persistent issues are caught promptly.
How to Seek Legal Help
If you’ve suffered from complications due to IV infiltration, you may wonder about your legal options. In New Mexico, patients who have experienced medical complications due to negligence have the right to seek compensation.
Consulting with a New Mexico personal injury lawyer with extensive medical malpractice experience can help determine if you have a viable case.
When you are ready to meet with a lawyer, gather all medical records and documentation related to your IV treatment and any subsequent care for the infiltration.
Next, schedule a consultation with a law firm experienced in medical malpractice, like Poulos & Coates. Based on the details of your case, we can provide insight into the likelihood of a successful legal claim.
Before pursuing legal action for malpractice, you must file a claim with the New Mexico Medical Review Commission. They will review your case and decide whether the provider’s conduct amounted to malpractice.
Because of the complex process involved with pursuing medical malpractice in New Mexico, hiring a lawyer who can explain your duties and rights under the law is essential.
Contact Poulos & Coates Today
Understanding IV infiltration, recognizing its early signs, and knowing the appropriate responses are essential for anyone who believes they might be the victim of medical negligence.
If you suspect that your experience with IV infiltration resulted from malpractice, taking prompt action is crucial for your health and potential legal claim.
At Poulos & Coates, we combine our profound legal experience with extensive medical knowledge. Our dedicated team includes a medical doctor and a nurse.
We are not just the leading medical malpractice law firm in Las Cruces but are renowned throughout New Mexico for our dedication and success in advocating for patients’ rights.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice, don’t let distance be a barrier. Whether you’re near Las Cruces or elsewhere in New Mexico, our skilled team is ready to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.
Contact Poulos & Coates today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Victor Poulos
Vic Poulos & Greig Coates became law partners in April of 2002, when the two medical malpractice litigators merged their offices, combining what is now over seventy years of litigation experience, to form Poulos & Coates, LLP. Licensed to practice before all State Courts of Texas, New Mexico, Iowa, and Kansas. Licensed to practice before the United States District Courts of Kansas, Iowa, New Mexico, and Texas (Western, Eastern, Southern, and Northern Districts of Texas), as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.X. Ax Court.
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