Guidance for carers monitoring a patient with a subcutaneous fluid infusion
Sometimes we prescribe fluid for patients, which is given through a small cannula (tube) placed under the skin. This is called a subcutaneous fluid infusion. Although the bags of fluid we use are just the same as some fluids given intravenously (straight into a vein; sometimes known as a “drip”), subcutaneous fluids don’t need a cannula to be inserted into a vein for the fluid to be given. They absorb very slowly from the tissues under the skin.
Subcutaneously fluids can be given when drinking is difficult, or when extra fluid is needed by the body. They aren’t right for everyone and a doctor or nurse will have suggested they are prescribed for a particular reason.
Sometimes these fluids are tried for a period of time, and after a reassessment may be stopped if it is felt they aren’t helpful. Your doctors and nurses will chat about this with you.
These fluids don’t come with a pump. Instead they drip in slowly using gravity. In some situations they might run all the time, other times they might just run in the day or the night, usually depending on which is more convenient.
The infusion will be set up by the District Nursing team, and reviewed by them each day. The cannula is put in using a tiny needle but this is then thrown away, leaving behind a small bendy plastic tube which is then secured with a dressing.
A roller clamp allows control of the flow of fluid in the tube. The nurse will show you how to stop the infusion should any problems arise. Once set up, the site where the cannula is inserted will be checked at each visit from the District Nursing service. In between these times, we would ask that you or others supporting your care at home, such as Hospital at Home Team, inspect the cannula site for:
- Any fluid leak
- Redness
- Bleeding or bruising
- Pain
- Excessive swelling
- Cannula (tube) falling out
If there is evidence of any of the above, please contact the District Nursing service or the medical team for advice.
Reference Number: lc00012872 / PIL195
Date of Publication: 09/08/2022
Review Date: 01/08/2025