As we mentioned above, even the safest, most studied and tested, of medical procedures can lead to complications. The following are general IV treatment complications that can occur:
• Pain or discomfort when puncturing the skin to administer the IV.
• Failure to successfully place the IV catheter in the vein.
• Need to switch to a different entrance site if the original attempt punctures the wall of the vein.
• Bruising of the puncture area, which should dissipate on its own.
• Blood clots in the superficial vein, which should dissolve on its own.
• Infiltration of fluids from the IV solution through the wall of the vein into the surrounding area, which should be reabsorbed on its own.
• Infection of the puncture area.
• Inflammation of the vein used for injection, phlebitis, metabolic disturbances, and injury.
• Allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in the IV solution, including anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and death.