What Is Post-Operative Injection & IV Care at Home?
Post-operative injection and IV care at home involves the safe administration of:
- Injections (IM, IV, subcutaneous)
- IV fluids and antibiotics
- Monitoring of cannula sites
- Wound healing support
by a trained nurse at the patient’s residence after a hospital discharge.
This is common after:
- Surgery (orthopedic, cardiac, abdominal, gynecological)
- Infections requiring IV antibiotics
- Diabetic wounds or abscess drainage
- Post-ICU or home ICU continuation
- Pain management and vitamin support
🧑⚕️ Who Provides This Care?
✅ Trained Nurses (ANM, GNM, BSc Nursing) who are experienced in:
- IV line insertion and monitoring
- IM/Subcutaneous injections
- Aseptic dressing techniques
- Emergency escalation (if allergic reactions or swelling)
These services are typically arranged through:
- Home nursing agencies
- Hospitals with home-care branches
- Independent visiting nurses
🏥 What’s Included in Home Injection/IV Services?
| Service Element | Details |
|---|---|
| 💉 Injection Service | Administer prescribed drugs (antibiotics, insulin, B12, painkillers) |
| 💧 IV Fluid/Drip Setup | Normal saline, glucose, or antibiotic fluids |
| 🩺 Cannula Site Care | Monitor for swelling, leakage, infection |
| 🧴 Aseptic Dressing | If needed near IV/injection site |
| 📋 Vitals Monitoring | BP, pulse, sugar check before/after administration |
| 📞 Reporting & Follow-up | Alerting doctor if there are reactions or IV site complications |
💰 Approximate Cost (2025)
| Service Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Injection Visit | ₹400 – ₹700 per visit |
| IV Fluid Setup (1 hour) | ₹800 – ₹1,200 per session |
| 5-day injection package | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 (discounted) |
| 12-hr nurse shift | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 per day |
Additional charges apply for night visits or remote rural areas.
🧾 Supplies Usually Needed
- Doctor’s prescription or discharge summary
- Medicines (vials/ampoules) prescribed
- IV fluids, IV set, sterile gloves, syringes, needles
- Cannula (if not already placed), spirit swabs, plaster
- Waste disposal bag
(In some cases, the nurse may bring a basic kit if pre-arranged.)
⚠️ Warning Signs Requiring Escalation
- Redness, pus, or swelling at the IV site
- Fever or chills after injection
- Tightness of chest or rashes (allergic reaction)
- Bleeding from cannula site
- Drop in blood pressure after administration
✅ Advantages of Injection & IV Care at Home
- Avoids repeated hospital visits (especially for elderly)
- Comfortable for post-surgery patients or bedridden seniors
- Safer for immunocompromised patients
- Convenient for multi-dose antibiotic courses
- Cost-effective and reduces travel burden