If you're going to be starting at-home infusion therapy for a medical condition, you'll want to prepare for the process. An infusion nurse will be coming to your home to provide you with your treatment. During your infusion therapy, you'll need to relax so that the nurse can ensure proper delivery of your IV solution. Here are four steps that will help you through your treatment.
Proper Hydration Is Essential
When it comes to infusion therapy, proper hydration is essential to a positive outcome. Your infusion nurse will need to find a healthy vein to use. That can be difficult if you're dehydrated. Prior to beginning your therapy, start drinking plenty of water. Keep a bottle of water on you at all times to ensure that your body receives the hydration it needs to have plump, healthy veins. Don't load up on water the night before, or you'll be up all night long for bathroom breaks. Not only that, but rapid hydration the night before won't ensure healthy veins.
Ask for a Topical Anesthetic
There's no way to get around the fact that IVs are uncomfortable. Your nurse will need to use a needle to start the IV. If you're fearful of needles and are apprehensive about the pain associated with IVs, ask your nurse to provide you with a topical anesthetic first. A topical anesthetic will numb the area so that your nurse can start the IV without causing you additional discomfort. When your nurse calls to confirm the appointment, ask them to bring the anesthetic. That will ensure that they have it with them when they arrive.
Know When to Say Stop
Veins don't always want to cooperate. If your veins decide not to cooperate, your nurse will need to try several attempts to start the IV. This can be painful for you and stressful for both of you. Don't be afraid to say "stop." Taking a break will give you a chance to relax and will give your nurse the opportunity to apply some heat to your uncooperative veins. Applying heat can help plump up your veins, which will make it easier to start your IV.
Ask for a Central Line
If you're going to be undergoing infusion therapy for an extended period of time, ask your doctor about installing a central line. The central line will stay in place throughout your therapy, which means your infusion nurse won't need to start a new IV for each treatment.
If you're about to begin infusion therapy, prepare yourself for the process. The tips provided here will help you avoid problems during your treatment. For other tips on how to prepare for treatment, be sure to speak to a professional like those found at Idaho Arthritis Center.
Share29 November 2016
I am a mother of four wonderful children, and like other parents, I have been to my fair share of health care clinics. It seems like my children are always getting scrapes and coming down with colds. When I was a new parent, I never knew whether I should take my injured or ill child to the emergency room or local urgent care facility. I received some simple advice from a seasoned parent that made my decisions easier that I want to pass onto all new parents, along with other health tips I've learned. he told me that she tended to take her children to the ER when they were bleeding or had very high temperatures and took them to the local urgent care for any other problem. I have followed her advice ever since, and my children remain healthy and happy!
