Intravenous Catheter, Pediatric When children cannot eat or drink for a short time, they must get their food, water, and medications another way. A tube called an intravenous catheter (IV) is used to give fluids. These can include vitamins, water, salts, sugar, and medications. The IV tube usually goes into a vein. The vein used is usually in the hand or arm but may also be in the neck or chest. The nurse puts bags of fluid on a silver metal pole. Fluid flows from the bag through a tube to a machine called a pump. The tube from the bag goes through the pump, then to the tube that is in the vein. This pump can make a noise which sounds like a beep. The beep tells the nurse more fluid is needed or that there may be something blocking the flow …show more content…
• For a day after the IV has been removed, your child should avoid stressing the area where the IV was placed. • Your child may shower normally beginning about 4 hours after the IV has been removed. • If a small amount of bleeding develops at the IV site, change your child 's bandage or dressing. SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF: • Your child has repeated or worsening swelling around the puncture site. • There is drainage or bleeding from the puncture area that will not stop • Your child develops red streaking that extends above or below the site where the needle had been placed. • A large bruise develops around the puncture site. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF: • Bleeding from the IV site develops and will not stop even after pressure is applied for 10 minutes. • Red streaking develops above and/or below the IV site. • Fever develops. • There is loss of sensation and/or weakness in the arm or the leg where the IV had been placed. • There is intense pain in the arm or leg where the IV was