Depends on the infusion. Hand IVs are fine for most things, especially if you can get an 18g or 20g in there.

On a 79 year old? Come on, the only 79 year olds that I started IVs in their hands were 22 or 24g. Especially one on blood thinners, that drump is most likely on

I only every used 22/24g on kids. We kept them in a separate pediatric kit in the ER.

Anesthesiologist here. 22/24 g are indeed pediatric IVs

I used 24 in hands of patients in an outpatient pain center for conscious sedation. But yes, in the OR, only 22g in peds

I get regular infusions for an autoimmune disease and I almost always get them in my hands. Easy veins there, allows patients a little more movement while getting the infusion. I think it’s fairly typical (though I don’t think his bruising is caused by IVs, I’d guess)

I have a bleeding disorder and I get infusions nearly every week and I would never have them done in my hands. At 75 my hands bruised to easily and I have great veins in my forearms that don't hurt like they do in my hands

That makes sense for older people’s skin especially (I’m in my 30s so the hands are holding up well for now), and is kinda partially why I doubt these are IV bruises