Chemotherapy Infusion: What to Expect
A patient guide to chemotherapy infusion — what happens before, during, and after treatment, understanding the nadir and neutropenic precautions, managing side effects, and knowing when to seek urgent help.
Patient Education: Vascular Access
Plain-language guides for patients and families on IV lines, catheters, infusion therapy, and vascular access care — what to expect, how to stay safe, and when to ask for help.
This section contains guides written for patients, families, and caregivers — not for clinical staff. Our goal is to help you understand what is happening with your IV or catheter, how to stay safe, and how to take an active role in your care.
Browse the guides below or use the search to find a specific topic. If you have questions, always ask your nurse or vascular access team — no question is too small.
Blood Draws and Lab Tests: What to Expect
A patient guide to blood draws and lab tests in the context of IV therapy — how blood is collected, what to expect when drawn from a PICC or port, managing difficult veins and needle anxiety, and understanding common lab results.
Arterial Lines: A Guide for Patients and Families
A patient and family guide to arterial lines (A-lines) — what they are, why they are used in critical care, how they work, the critical safety rules that apply, and what to expect when one is placed or removed.
Allergies and Sensitivities During IV Therapy
What patients need to know about allergies and sensitivities related to IV therapy — including drug allergies, latex allergy, tape and adhesive reactions, antiseptic sensitivities, and how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction.