8 Week old baby was wrongfully inserted an Intravenous (IV) in her hand, not in her vein

[onlytonyg]

A friend told me that this weekend he went to be with his baby which was hospitalized, and during this time the baby was taken to another room to have an IV inserted into her hand.  The nurse said it would take about 15 minutes, but when an hour past and the baby was still crying in pain, her dad (my friend) went to see what was going on; upon entering the room, the nurses had a look as if they didn't know what they were doing.  In a non-calmy voice he asked what they were doing, the nurses then were able to insert the IV in the baby's arm.  The dad took the baby back to the room, the mom went downstairs to get someting to eat.  When the mom came back, she asked why the baby was still crying uncontrolably, the dad said she has not stopped, and although he tried everything and no luck.  He placed the baby down and checked her when he noticed that baby's arm was white as white and inflated.  They then called the nurse and it was determined that the IV was wrongfully inserted into the hand and not the vein.  Later, the dad asked the nurse, "What would have happened if they wouldn't of discovered the babie's arm?", the nurse just said "Well, the baby's ok now".  Nothing else.  Can someone please help me with this so I can refer it to my friend.  I just said that he needs to get her out of that hostpital and into another.  Thanks.

[lil_sweet_thang]

even when an iv is incerted right there is a chance of the fluid leaking into the hand and not the vein i assume that the child is sick and possibly dehydrated or there would b no need for an iv? if sum1 is dehydrated it is alot harder to get an iv started and it is already hard to do because babies r so small and move alot i think the nurse should have explained to the parents better what happened but it is very normal and the childs hand will recover

[margypops]

I would have also been very upset and would want further answers about this issue , it sounds very painful how is the baby doing now , did you voice your concerns with the Doctors in Charge ?

[caregiver222]

In fairness to the nurses, inserting an intravenous line in the arm of a baby is difficult for even an experienced nurse. I am certain they all felt terrible about the pain to the baby.

Improper placement can happen in the best hospital with the best nurses and doctors. It does not mean they are incompetent. Sometimes this is really hard to do.

In a litigenous environment it is understandable they seek to minimize fear and apprehension on the part of a relative.

Thankfully, the injuries from such a procedure normally heal without problems.

I feel sorry for the baby and you have my sympathies.