How to deal with swollen hands due to using an IV

Like any medical procedure, IV insertion also has a number of side effects. One of them is an infection at the injection site, which makes the hands swell.

The IV injection area is prone to infection because it becomes a "border" between the inside of the body and the outside environment. So, what are the ways to prevent and treat swollen hands due to intravenous use?

Prevent hand swelling due to infusion

Not only the dose of the infusion that is considered, the infusion area must also be monitored regularly to ensure there are no problems or potential complications. Monitoring is carried out at least once an hour, including at night.

The nurse is fully responsible for monitoring. However, patients and families can also help monitor and report it to the nurse if a problem occurs.

While monitoring, you are also at the same time preventing complications such as bleeding, infection, and swollen hands due to infusion.

Some things you can do to prevent swollen hands due to an IV, include:

• Take care for the area where the infusion is injected. The IV needle can be dislodged if the tube is pulled. Therefore, you need to be more careful so that the tube does not come off while you are sleeping, walking, or doing other activities.
• Keep the infusion area dry. This will reduce the risk of infection and prevent the needle from falling off.
• Make sure the area where the infusion is injected is easily visible. The nurse will need to check the condition of the infusion while you sleep. By making the IV visible, the nurse can check it without waking you up.
• Watch for symptoms of complications. Be alert if the area where the infusion is injected is painful, itchy, or numb. Do not tamper with the infusion and report these symptoms to the nurse immediately.

How to deal with swollen hands due to using an IV

Source: Desert Hand and Physical Therapy

If preventative measures are not effective enough to protect your hands from swelling, there may be other factors causing your hands to swell from using an IV. Try to consult a doctor to find the cause.

You can also apply some simple ways to relieve swelling of the hands. The following include:

1. Warm or cold compress

Warm temperatures can relax muscles and increase blood flow to the hands. Meanwhile, cold temperatures can reduce pain and swelling. You can use the two interchangeably as needed.

Use a soft towel so that your skin does not come into direct contact with hot or cold sources. Limit the use of the compress to 20 minutes and give your skin a break to rest before applying the compress again.

2. Stretch his hands and wrists

Sometimes, body fluids can collect in the hands and worsen swelling in the hands due to intravenous use.

Stretching the hands and wrists will improve the circulation of fluids so that the hands will gradually return to normal.

Choose light stretching movements to prevent pain. For example, by rotating the wrist, linking the hands, or moving the thumb. Stop stretching if your hand hurts.

3. Lifting swollen hands

Try raising your swollen hand so that it is higher than your heart. Maintain this position for 30 minutes and repeat several times a day. Do it regularly every day.

You can also do this while sleeping, by placing your hands on a high pillow. This movement is useful for increasing blood flow to the heart, thereby reducing swelling.

Swollen hands after the infusion should return to normal after a few days. During this time, make sure you keep the injection site clean and watch out for signs of infection.

Immediately visit a doctor if the injection site feels itchy, burns or is bleeding. Do not take medication or take any action, as this could make the infection worse.