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Medical Author:

Maureen Welker, MSN, NPc, CCRN

Maureen Welker, MSN, NPc, CCRN

Maureen Welker received a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and also obtained a Public Health Nurse Certification. There she served as Vice President of the Graduate Nurses Association, at CSULB and also served as President of the Graduate Nurses Association. Ms. Welker is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and is currently on staff at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Introduction
• What are some of the conditions that are treated with an IV drug infusion?
• How do I prepare for the infusion?
• What are some things I can do to pass the time while receiving therapy?
• What happens during and after the infusion?
• IV Drug Infusion FAQs Index

What are some things I can do to pass the time while receiving therapy?

Things to take or do:

• Book
  
  
• Magazine
  
  
• Newspaper
  
  
• Crossword puzzle or suduko game
  
  
• Hand held games - (if they are quiet or have headphones)
  
  
• Bring your own music (I-pod or MP3 player)
  
  
• A neck pillow - the type used on airplanes
  
  
• Pictures of your family or loved ones
  
  
• Study for that upcoming test
  
  
• Bring your computer and get some work done, watch a movie, or play games.
  
  
• Snacks and a drink (if allowed in the infusion room)
  
  
• Bring paper and pen - make a list of things you need to do
  
  
• Write a letter -a letter of encouragement - of love - of thanks.
  
  
• Catch up on paper work
  
  
• Plan a party
  
  
• Make your shopping list
  
  
• Knit
  
  
• Crochet
  
  
• Draw or doodle
  
  
• Plan a trip
  
  
• Take a nap
  
  
• Pray
  
  
• Meditate

PLEASE DO NOT TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE - Place your phone on vibrate mode or turn it off. This is not a time for talking on the phone (unless you have an OK from the infusion staff).

Arrive at the infusion center with a:

• Smile
  
  
• Positive attitude (you are in good hands).
  
  
• Personal affirmation - Find one that feels good and energizes you. For example: "I have the perfect medicine...at the perfect time...I am healing."
  
  
• Sit back and relax

What happens during and after the infusion?

• Ask questions and notify the staff immediately if you are not feeling "right" or have a concern.
  
  
• Consider talking with someone in the Infusion Center receiving treatment. They may have some advice about their health condition that will help you. You may meet a new friend.
  
  
• After your infusion is completed, ask for any important post infusion instructions.
  
  
• You may need to take post-infusion medications. Check with your healthcare practitioner or the infusion staff for detailed instructions.
  
  
• A dressing will be placed in the area where your infusion was done. This dressing should be kept in place for at least 30 minutes or longer. If you are on a blood thinner, leave the dressing in place longer to avoid any bleeding. Check with the staff at the Infusion Center in regard to the length of time necessary to keep the dressing in place.
  
  
• If you have an allergy to tape, inform the infusion staff (advise them of all allergies).
  
  
• Obtain a phone number to call in the event that you have any questions or possible side effects to the medication you receive (such as a fever or rash) after your infusion has been completed.

Be confident that you are receiving excellent care!