Bruising caused by misplaced IV needle?

Question

I was in hospital over a week ago and one IV had to be removed (because strong antibiotics were hurting the vein) and placed in the other hand. The nurse attempted to insert the needle in the other hand but said something about breaking my vein, and I was crying it hurt so much, then she tried a bit further up the same vein and failed as well. In the end another nurse got it in near my elbow.

It's been over a week and my hand around the area where the nurse attempted to do the two IV punctures is turning dark and bruised and is painful to touch. It seems to be getting worse. Any advice or similar stories? Thanks!

Answer 1

starting an iv can be a tricky thing sometimes. the vein can roll away from the area you are trying to stick the needle into,it can collapse or "blow" and then you have to retry somewhere else. there is no way to know this will happen until after you've already inserted the needle.

lots of people bruise when given shots or IVs (i do). sometimes it's due to being anemic or pale skinned. but being that you are already sick, you're immune system is weak, so you bruise easier.

give the bruised area time to heal on it's own-this might take a couple more weeks. it should start to turn yellow after it's been dark for a few days. apply warm washcloth compresses to it for 10-15 mins 3-4 times a day. this will help reduce the swelling and help with the pain. you can also take ibuprofen (if not allergic and ONLY if you aren't already taking pain meds that were prescribed to you from the hospital). take 200-400mg every 6 hours as needed but no more than 1200mg in 24 hours.

if after 1 more week there is no change in the soreness or appearance of the bruise-call your dr for a followup appt.

i hope you are feeling better after your hospital stay-good luck to you!!

Answer 2

The nurse didnt mess up. She obviously had a hard time sticking you the first time. It was probably due to a rolling vein or it was hard to find a good vein to stick. I have stuck plenty of people and most bruise. It will go away in a week or so. If not consult a physician.

Answer 3

all bruises turn darkest just before they start to fade away. As long as your arm isn't swollen, you shouldn't have any problem. It can take a couple weeks for a bruise to disappear. You were stabbed repeatedly with a needle, you're body needs time to heal. If it doesn't start to get better within the next week, you should visit a local clinic or hospital just to make sure.

Answer 4

It wasn't the nurse who took the needle out...it became the guy who put in the IV. She did no longer something extremely incorrect. in specific circumstances a needle will bruise you upon insertion. it's going to bypass away in some days.

Answer 5

Don't be alarmed, but that sounds not so good. The nurse effed up real bad. It's an easy fix and won't lead to anything super bad but you should go to the hospital or clinic and get patched up.