How to Prepare for an IV
IV therapy is known as a minimally invasive method that delivers the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through the bloodstream. Many decide on IV therapy in case of an energy boost, when dealing with jetlag, or in most cases if they suffer from dehydration or vitamin deficiency. But, not everyone knows the process of how to prepare for an IV therapy and what measures to take for smooth administration.
In this article, we will point out several important factors and tips to help you prepare for your IV therapy session.
How to Prepare for an IV
If you are wondering how to prepare for an IV therapy, there are several factors to remember. First off, start by asking questions. Inform yourself about anything related to the administration of IV, from who will administer it and how it may make you feel to what type of medication or fluid will be administered in the IV bag.
Before IV therapy, you should share your medical history records with your healthcare provider to help them understand your medical condition and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis or adding liquids you may be allergic to.
But there’s more to the process of preparation for an IV besides getting informed and sharing your medical history records to help your IV infusion go as smoothly as possible. From setting up the environment and dressing into something comfortable to keep yourself hydrated, there’s plenty to do before getting the IV administered.
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Set up the environment
If you have decided to receive mobile IV treatment, take care of the environment. For this purpose, choosing a quiet place to sit or lie down comfortably is ideal. Also, keep in mind the lighting in the room. Ensure the room is sufficiently lit for the healthcare provider to perform the procedure successfully.
Hydration
Although it may seem counterintuitive to hydrate before a treatment intended to rehydrate you, it's a good idea to drink plenty of water before the procedure. Ideally, we recommend you drink plenty of fluids 24 hours prior to the date of the appointment.
If your body is dehydrated there’s a high chance to better respond to IV therapy. If you are dehydrated, the veins contract, making it difficult for the healthcare provider to administer the IV therapy. On the other hand, if you are sufficiently hydrated, the veins become more dilated which makes the nurse's task easier to find the vein on the first try.
A tip from our experienced team is to add salt to the water, as the water helps the body retain more moisture in your blood.
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Eat before the treatment
You should avoid going for IV therapy on an empty stomach. It’s good to have a hot meal an hour or two before IV therapy. Eating a balanced meal before the therapy that contains plenty of water and proteins could help you prevent any side effects you may experience if you were to receive the IV therapy on an empty stomach.
Eating may help you avoid irritating symptoms during IV therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. If you have eaten before the procedure, your blood vessels will be more open, allowing the IV fluids to access the deepest tissues in the body.
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Dress in something comfortable
Choose comfortable clothes that will not interfere during the administration. Wear clothing that will leave the internal veins open so that the health care provider can perform their task smoothly.
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Mental Preparation
If you feel afraid of the IV procedure, there are several techniques that you can use to overcome your fear. Take deep and slow breaths to help relax your body and mind, and engage in calming activities like meditation to help you relax before IV therapy. If you still feel uncomfortable once the IV therapy is administered, put on your headphones to get your mind somewhere else.
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During the IV Placement and Aftercare
The duration of the IV procedure depends on the type of IV fluid being administered. This kind of therapy typically lasts an hour. In addition, there is a monitoring period when the healthcare provider checks that the IV therapy went well.
It is best to bring entertainment sources to help you pass the time more easily. For this purpose, you can read a book, listen to a podcast or music, or engage in game activities on your smartphone.
During the procedure, monitor the injection site and notify the medical team if you notice any changes or discomfort. Such changes may refer to swelling, pain, discoloration, or leaking.
After the procedure is over and the IV bag gets removed, you may experience minor pain at the injection site. You should report it to your healthcare provider if bruising occurs or persists for a long time.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to prepare for an IV, you will be able to reduce the fear and anxiety that can appear before and during IV therapy. In addition, be sure to communicate with your healthcare provider about the procedure and seek help immediately if you notice anything unusual related to IV therapy.
