Whether you are being admitted to the hospital for vomiting, seeing your doctor for a headache, or getting a routine medication, you may need to get an IV. There are many reasons why someone would need an IV drip therapy. An IV, or intravenous therapy, is when some sort of medication or treatment is inserted directly into the patient's bloodstream, instead of having to go through their digestive tract. Before you get an IV, there are some things that you may want to know in order to help the process go more smoothly. 

Limited Time Needle

Some people mistakenly believe that when you get an IV there will be a needle in your body for the duration of your therapy. This is false. An IV works by using a needle to access a vein, insert a plastic catheter (that should be painless) and then remove the needle. If all goes well the catheter should remain inside the vein for the duration of the therapy, and then be removed upon completion. Understanding that your nurses will only be using a needle for a short time may help you to feel calmer about the process. 

Speed Matters

Did you know that the speed at which your IV is infused is actually incredibly important? If an IV is administered too quickly it can cause negative effects called "overload" in which patients may have trouble breathing, headaches, backaches, or emotional symptoms. If you begin to feel any of these symptoms, tell your nurse immediately. 

Output Problems

The more fluids that go into your body, the more that will need to come out. Some people find it embarrassing to ask for help to use the bathroom while they are hooked up to an IV pole, though it is a completely normal occurrence. 

Pay Attention to the Insertion Site

If you begin to have any pain, discomfort, or dripping from the IV site, tell your nurse. The catheter may have been displaced or pulled slightly, causing an infiltration. While this can be painful, it should not have any lasting symptoms. Depending on where you are in your infusion, your nurse may try to get an IV started again, or you might just be done without receiving the full dosage. 

In conclusion, IVs do not need to be something to be feared. The more you understand about the process of getting an IV, the easier it may be. If you have further questions, talk to your nurse or doctor.