Can Urgent Care Provide IV Fluids for Dehydration? Exploring the Facts

What Urgent Care Can Do

Urgent care facilities are medical centers that provide immediate medical attention for a multitude of non-life-threatening conditions. They are designed to provide care for patients who need medical attention quickly but don't require emergency care. Urgent care clinics also offer extended hours. This makes them a convenient option for patients who need medical attention outside of regular business hours.

The range of medical services, that an urgent care offers will depend on their specific policies and capabilities, however, most facilities offer services like:

• Diagnostic testing
• Minor procedures
• IV therapy
• Lab services
• X-ray and other imaging services
• Thorough medical assessments

Most importantly, urgent care clinics are staffed by licensed medical professionals—including doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Urgent Care Vs. Emergency Room

Urgent care clinics are different from emergency rooms in many ways. Emergency rooms are designed to provide medical attention for life-threatening conditions—such as:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Traumatic injuries
• Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)
• Hypertensive emergencies (high blood pressure)
• Open fractures
• Appendicitis

Urgent care clinics, on the other hand, are designed to provide care for patients with non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Many of the common conditions that urgent care can assist you with include:

• Diagnosis and treatment for respiratory illnesses, such as influenza and COVID-19
• Diagnosis and treatment for UTI symptoms
• STD testing and treatment
• Minor injuries that may require an X-ray or stitches
• Treatment for sprains and strains
• Lab testing
• Management of some chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes
• DOT and sports physicals
• Well-child check-ups
• Immunizations

For many people, urgent care clinics are a more cost-effective option than emergency rooms. According to Debt.org, urgent care clinics are around 10 times less expensive than the emergency room.

Can Urgent Care Give IV Fluids for Dehydration?

Dehydration can be a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration and are unable to rehydrate yourself effectively, the Cleveland Clinic recommends getting medical attention. For this, urgent care could be a good choice, depending on their ability to treat your condition. Most urgent care centers have the capability of IV rehydration.

IV Fluids As a Treatment For Dehydration

IV fluids are a common treatment for dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic. They are administered directly into your bloodstream through a vein in your arm or hand—which makes IV fluids the quickest way to rehydrate you and give your body the nutrients it needs.

When Are IV Fluids Necessary?

Whether or not you need IV fluids for dehydration will depend on a variety of factors, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These factors include the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and any underlying medical conditions that you may have.

The Mayo Clinic notes that in some cases, mild dehydration can be treated with oral rehydration solutions such as sports drinks or electrolyte tablets. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of severe dehydration or you are unable to keep fluids down, getting IV fluids may be necessary.

Types of IV Fluids Used for Dehydration

There are several types of IV fluids that may be used to treat dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic. The most common types of IV fluids include:

• Saline Solution
• Dextrose Solution
• Lactated Ringer's Solution

The type of IV fluid that is used will depend on your individual needs and the severity of your dehydration. Your healthcare provider will decide which solution is best for you and your situation.

Dehydration: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Tips

The Mayo Clinic explains that dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. They also list some of the most common causes of dehydration as:

• Excessive sweating due to heat, exercise, or fever
• Diarrhea or vomiting (especially for young children and elderly)
• Inability to drink enough fluids due to illness or injury
• Certain medications that increase urination

Risk Factors for Developing Dehydration

There are some people that are at a higher risk of developing dehydration than others, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These risk factors include:

• Age - Infants and young children, as well as older adults, are more susceptible to dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Chronic illness - People with diabetes, kidney disease, or other chronic illnesses may be more prone to dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Medication use - Certain medications (such as diuretics) can increase the risk of dehydration for some people, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
• Alcohol and caffeine consumption - Both alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration by increasing urine output, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Tips for Preventing Dehydration

The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink enough fluids throughout the day. Here are some tips for staying hydrated, as outlined by the National Library of Medicine (NLM):

• Drink water throughout the day. The Mayo Clinic recommends around 3.7 liters of water every day for men and around 2.7 liters of water per day for women. The Mayo Clinic also notes that this recommendation should be adjusted if you are doing activities that make you sweat, or in a hot environment.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. The Mayo Clinic notes that both of these can cause dehydration.
• Eat foods with high water content—such as fruits and vegetables. Although food is not a replacement for water, the Mayo Clinic notes that you can still benefit from eating foods with high water content (like watermelon or cucumber to name a few).
• Monitor your urine color. The Mayo Clinic advises that you monitor your urine color as an indication of whether you are drinking enough fluids. If your urine is a dark yellow or amber color, you may need to drink more fluids.
• The Mayo Clinic also says to remember to drink extra fluids during hot weather or when you're exercising.

Dehydration can be serious, especially for young children and older adults. If you're experiencing symptoms of dehydration—such as dry mouth, headache, or dizziness—you should seek medical attention right away, recommends the Cleveland Clinic.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration can happen to anyone, but it is more common in young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses according to the Cleveland Clinic. Mild dehydration can usually be treated at home by drinking fluids, but severe dehydration requires urgent medical attention.

Here are the signs and symptoms of dehydration to look out for, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Dark-colored urine
• Dry mouth and throat
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Headache and confusion
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea—it is important to seek urgent medical attention. Severe dehydration can lead to more serious complications like seizures and kidney failure.

What to Expect When You Go to Urgent Care for Dehydration

If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, going to an urgent care clinic may be a great option for getting the treatment you need to start feeling better. Here's what you can expect during your visit.

Evaluation and Assessment by Medical Professionals

When you arrive at an urgent care clinic, you will be evaluated by a medical professional. They will ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking. They may also perform a physical exam to check for signs of dehydration. According to the NLM, some of their assessments may include checking you for a dry mouth, dry skin, low blood pressure, or rapid heart rate.

Getting IV Fluids

If your urgent care provider diagnoses you with dehydration, they may recommend that you get IV fluids to rehydrate your body. The NLM notes that you may receive an IV solution by itself or one that is mixed with electrolytes to help restore the balance of electrolytes in your body.

Other Treatments for Dehydration

In addition to IV fluids, your urgent care provider may recommend additional or alternative treatments for your dehydration. According to the Cleveland Clinic, other treatment options may include oral hydration with electrolyte drinks, or medications to stop vomiting or diarrhea.

Potential Complications of Untreated Dehydration

If left untreated, dehydration can lead to more serious complications according to Mayo Clinic. Some complications may include kidney damage or seizures. This is why it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration and are unable to rehydrate yourself.

Benefits of Going to Urgent Care For Dehydration

Urgent care clinics offer quick and easy access to medical care without the need for an appointment. Most urgent care clinics are open seven days a week, with extended hours in the evenings and on weekends. This makes it easy for you to get the care on a weekend, evening, or holiday.

Urgent care clinics are also typically less expensive than emergency rooms. In fact, the average cost of an urgent care visit is about 10 times cheaper than an emergency room visit, according to Debt.org. This can be especially important if you do not have insurance or if your insurance has a high deductible.

Common Misconceptions About Urgent Care

One common misconception about urgent care is that it is only for minor injuries or illnesses. While urgent care centers do treat minor injuries and illnesses, many urgent care locations can also provide care for slightly more serious conditions—such as dehydration.

Another misconception is that urgent care clinics are not staffed by licensed medical professionals. In truth, most urgent care clinics are staffed with a diverse combination of board-certified physicians, licensed physician assistants, nurse practitioners, certified medical assistants and radiology technicians.

Differences Between Urgent Care and Primary Care

Urgent care clinics differ from primary care providers in a few key ways. The most striking difference is that urgent care clinics offer same-day services and walk-in appointments, while primary care providers typically require appointments to be made in advance. Urgent care clinics in many locations are able to provide faster access to laboratory and imaging services, compared to primary care clinics, according to the Urgent Care Association.

Insurance Coverage for Urgent Care Visits

Most insurance plans include coverage for urgent care visits—although the amount you will be responsible for paying out of pocket will depend on your specific plan. Some plans require a copay for urgent care visits, while others require you to pay a percentage of the cost. To be more clear on your specific costs, you can check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.

Follow-Up Care After Getting IV Fluids

If you received IV fluids for dehydration, it's important to follow up with a medical provider to ensure your treatment was successful and that you continue to stay hydrated. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 2.7-3.7 liters of water each day to stay hydrated (more if you are exercising or in a hot environment). Your healthcare provider can give you further instructions on how to stay hydrated if you are taking certain medications that may make you dehydrated.

Monitoring Your Hydration Levels

To ensure that you are staying well hydrated, you can monitor yourself for signs of dehydration. The Mayo Clinic lists the common signs of dehydration as:

• Dark-colored urine
• Dry mouth and throat
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Headache and confusion
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing

It is important to understand that dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. So getting medical attention if you are experiencing dehydration is important. If you experience any of the signs of dehydration—such as dry mouth, dark urine, weakness, or confusion—be sure to seek medical attention at an urgent care clinic or emergency room, notes the Mayo Clinic.

Urgent care clinics have medical professionals who can treat dehydration right away and are a cost-effective option for most people who are dealing with dehydration. Many urgent care clinics can also administer IV fluids to help rehydrate your body quickly.