One of the most effective ways to utilize some medications is through intravenous administration. Some patients require the administration of IV medications or fluids on a regular basis, and this may lead to curiosity about self-administration. Ultimately, it is not recommended that anyone self-administers IV medications without the assistance of a medical provider. Below, we’ve listed some information about IV pumps and using an IV pump at home.
What is an IV Pump, and How Does it Work?
An IV pump is an electronic device that is frequently used at hospitals and clinics to help deliver a specific dosage of a certain medication at a targeted rate. IV pumps are operated by nurses, and they require specialized training. The way an IV pump works is by feeding IV tubing into a chamber in the pump. The nurse will then hook up the IV tubing to the IV on the patient’s arm. Next, they will program the pump to deliver a specific amount of the medication or fluids at a specific rate (such as 10 ml/hour).
Can You Use an IV Pump At Home?
It is not recommended that patients self administer medications with an IV pump at home. This is because the use of an IV pump requires specialized training. However, you can be given IV therapy and fluids at home by an at-home IV therapy service. You may also be able to utilize the services of a home health nurse who can come to your home to administer your IV medications for you.
Risks and Complications of Self-Administering IVs
One of the biggest risks of self-administering IV medications at home is that the patient will set the IV pump incorrectly and end up giving themselves too high a dose of the medications. All medications come with specific safety precautions that only nurses may be aware of. Without the specialized training required to program an IV pump, you could easily cause yourself to overdose on a drug or administer it at too fast or slow of a rate. It is not worth it to attempt this.
Drip Hydration Offers Safe and Effective IV Therapy
Drip Hydration practices professionalism and safety with our at-home IV therapy services. If you want to experience IV therapy such as immune-boosting vitamin infusions and IV hydration in the comfort of your own home, schedule an appointment with Drip Hydration today. A specially trained nurse will come to your home to safely administer your IV therapy.
In-Home IV Treatments With Drip Hydration
Drip Hydration offers mobile IV treatments in the comfort of your home. Once you book your appointment, a certified nurse will come to your desired location and administer the treatment, which usually takes less than an hour. During this time, you can do anything you’d like, such as relax under a warm blanket or watch TV. Drip Hydration will also go to hotels, worksites, or other locations upon request.
You can either browse our treatment options and decide which is best for you or speak to a representative who can help you choose what you need based on your health goals. To schedule your appointment or learn more, contact us today!