IV Fluid Administration at Urgent Care: What to Expect and Why It's Important

What are IV Fluids?

IV fluids are liquid solutions that are administered directly into your bloodstream through a small tube called a catheter. The catheter is placed in a vein in your arm or hand using a small needle. The fluids are made up of a combination of water, electrolytes, and other nutrients, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The purpose of IV fluids is to help maintain your body's fluid balance, which is essential for proper organ function. When your body is dehydrated or has lost fluids due to an illness or injury, it can lead to a number of health issues, including low blood pressure, kidney failure, and even death, warns the Cleveland Clinic. IV fluids help to prevent these complications and are also used to administer certain medications.

Can An Urgent Care Administer IV Fluids?

IV fluids are used in many healthcare settings, including emergency rooms, hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and ambulances. Because IV fluids provide quick and effective relief for a variety of medical conditions, they are often also used at urgent care clinics, notes the Cleveland Clinic.

Urgent care clinics have trained medical professionals who can determine if IV fluids are a good treatment option for you and then safely administer IV fluids if you do need them. Before receiving IV fluids, your urgent care provider will consider factors such as your medical history, current medications, and any allergies you may have—then they will assess your current medical situation and determine if IV fluids are a necessary and safe option for you.

When is IV Fluid Administration Necessary?

IV fluid administration is a common medical procedure that is used to treat a variety of conditions. Here are some of the situations when the Cleveland Clinic notes IV fluids are usually necessary:

• Dehydration - Dehydration is a common condition that can occur when the body loses too much fluid. This can happen due to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or simply not drinking enough fluids. IV fluid administration is often the fastest and safest way of rehydrating the body according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Electrolyte Imbalances - Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for the body to function properly. If the levels of these minerals become too high or too low, it can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle cramps, weakness, and confusion. IV fluids can help restore electrolyte balance in the body and effectively alleviate these symptoms.
• Blood Loss - In the event of significant blood loss due to injury or surgery, IV fluids may be helpful and even necessary to help replace lost fluids and maintain adequate blood pressure, according to Merck.
• Certain Medical Conditions - IV fluids may be necessary to treat a range of medical conditions, including sepsis, pancreatitis, and gastroenteritis. In these cases, timely treatment with IV fluids is critical to having a good outcome.
• Diarrhea and Vomiting - Severe diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. This is especially true for young children and the elderly, according to the Mayo Clinic. IV fluids are essential for replacing lost fluids and restoring electrolyte balance.
• Heat Stroke - Heat stroke occurs when the body overheats due to exposure to high temperatures. People who live in desert or tropical areas are at risk for this condition, especially if they are working outside. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, and fatigue. IV fluids are a common treatment to cool and rehydrate the body, according to Johns Hopkins.
• Kidney Disease - IV fluids may be necessary for people with kidney disease who are unable to maintain proper hydration on their own.
• Chemotherapy - IV fluids are often used during chemotherapy treatment to help prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance—as well as to administer medications.

How are IV Fluids Given?

When you arrive at an urgent care clinic and your healthcare provider determines that you need IV fluids, they will start the process by cleaning the area where the IV will be inserted. Usually, this includes wiping your skin with an alcohol prep pad, to disinfect the area from germs, according to procedure steps outlined by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Your provider will then use a small needle to gain access to a vein in your arm or hand. Attached to the needle is a small catheter which is then inserted into your vein and will remain there throughout the course of receiving IV fluids. The needle, however, is removed once the soft catheter is in place. This procedure usually takes a few minutes and is associated with minimal pain. Some providers will opt to use a numbing agent on the skin or a Doppler device to help locate the veins underneath your skin.

After the catheter has successfully been placed in your vein, it is connected to a tube that connects to the bag of IV fluids. The healthcare provider will then adjust the flow rate of the fluid to ensure that you receive the appropriate amount of fluid. The flow rate can be adjusted throughout the treatment as needed. Many times, a machine known as an IV pump is used to maintain a consistent flow of fluids, notes the NLM.

After your IV is placed, your healthcare provider may monitor your vital signs and symptoms during the entire process to ensure that you are responding well to the treatment. If you require medication to be administered through the IV, the healthcare provider will add it to the IV bag or give it separately through the tube connected to the IV.

It's important to note that IV placement is generally a painless process, but some people may experience mild discomfort or a slight pinch when the needle is inserted. If you experience any significant pain or discomfort during the process, be sure to let the healthcare provider know so they can make adjustments as needed.

Types of IV Fluids

When you receive IV fluid administration at an urgent care facility, you may receive one of several types of fluids. The type of fluid you receive will depend on your specific needs and medical condition. The most common types of IV fluids, as outlined by the Cleveland Clinic are:

• Normal saline
• Lactated ringer's solution
• Dextrose solution
• Plasma-Lyte

Methods of IV Fluid Administration

There are several different ways that IV fluids can be administered. The most commonly used method, according to Johns Hopkins, is a peripheral IV. This is the method that uses a small needle to gain access to a vein in your arm or hand, to place a catheter. Depending on your specific illness or injury, a more advanced method may be necessary. Advanced methods are typically used in cases of severe injury or severe illness. These advanced methods outlined by Johns Hopkins include:

• Central line IVs - This involves placing a catheter into a large vein in your chest, neck or upper thigh area and is typically used for long-term IV fluid administration or for administering medications that can irritate smaller veins.
• PICC line - This is a catheter that is inserted into a vein in your arm and threaded through to a larger vein near your heart. It is also used for long-term IV fluid administration or for administering medications that can irritate smaller veins.
• Intraosseous infusion - This is a method of IV fluid administration that involves inserting a needle into the bone marrow of a large bone, such as the shin bone. It is used in emergent situations when other methods of IV fluid administration are not possible.

What to Expect When You Receive IV Fluids at Urgent Care

When you seek care at an urgent care clinic you can expect the healthcare provider to assess your current state of health, review your medical history, take your vital signs, and screen you for any allergies you may have. If your provider decides that IV fluids should be included in your treatment, they will prep you for the quick procedure.

You will then be monitored for any adverse reactions during the entire course of your IV fluid administration. After you complete your treatment, you will receive discharge instructions that may include recommendations for follow-up appointments.

It is important to be aware of potential side effects and complications that may arise from receiving IV fluids. While these complications are rare, according to the Mayo Clinic, they may include allergic reactions or fluid overload. If you experience any concerning symptoms after the treatment, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Getting IV Fluids at Urgent Care

When you are dehydrated or experiencing other medical issues that require IV fluids, getting timely treatment is important for preventing complications. Not to mention, getting help to feel better faster. Urgent care clinics offer an array of healthcare services, which you can often get much faster and cheaper than through a visit to the emergency room. Dehydration is a common reason for needing IV fluids, and urgent care clinics offer a fast and low-cost way of getting treatment.

It's important to seek medical attention when you experience symptoms of dehydration or other health concerns, as prompt treatment can help prevent more serious complications, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Never hesitate to visit urgent care if you think you may need IV fluids or any other medical interventions. The highly-skilled providers at urgent care clinics can also help you get the appropriate specialty care or let you know when a visit to the ER is needed.