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Drips (cannula or IV)Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child. Key points to remember
 Back to TopWhy does my child need to have a drip?Your child needs to have a drip (also known as a cannula or IV) to allow fluid or medicines to be given directly into a vein.
Back to TopWhat will happen?The doctor or nurse may put a local anaesthetic patch on the skin first to numb the area where the needle is to be put. It takes about an hour for the patch to work.
 If the drip needs to be inserted urgently there may not be time to wait for the local anaesthetic to work. Your child will need to be held firmly but gently to make sure they do not move while the needle is put in the vein. Once the needle is in the vein, the needle is removed and a plastic tube is left in the vein. The plastic tube will be held in place with tape and bandages. This does not cause your child any discomfort. All fluids and medicines are then given through the plastic tube.
If possible, blood tests will be taken from the needle at the time of setting up the drip. At times there may not be enough blood collected from the needle. If that happens a separate blood test will need to be taken. Drips can become blocked or leak or the surrounding skin can become infected. If this happens the drip may need to be changed. At times a bruise may form when the needle is taken out of the vein – this will soon fade.
Back to TopHow can I help my child?Hospitals can be frightening places for children. If a child feels sick or is in pain, it can be upsetting to have nurses and doctors who they don't know look after them. It is important to stay with your child to look after and comfort them.
If your child asks about the tests being done, reassure them and explain in simple terms what is being done and why. Always tell the truth.
At times it is helpful to tell stories, talk about the family or anything else that may help to take their mind off the procedure. Remain calm and comfort your child. If you get upset so will your child.
The staff are there to help you and your child. If you would like more information please ask the nurse or doctor caring for your child.
Back to TopAcknowledgementsStarship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand acknowledge the co-operation of The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick, and Kaleidoscope - Hunter Children's Health Network in making this fact sheet available to patients and families.
Back to TopYour notesEndorsement
This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 15/05/2006
CopyrightFact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation. © The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2010
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a drip is used to give your child fluid or medicines directly into a vein