Understanding All The IV Set Ports
Nursing Points General On an IV primary tubing set, there are typically three ports: Port above the safety clamp Middle port Port nearest the patient Also known as “valves” The port nearest the drip chamber and above the safety clamp This port is for hanging piggybacks that must be infused through the pump The flow […]
Giving Medication Through An IV Set Port
Overview Medications that are given IV should be given through one of three IV ports: Port above the safety clamp Port below safety clamp (middle port) Port closest to patient Nursing Points General Port above safety clamp Slow intermittent infusions the pump must regulate Piggybacks Antibiotics Anti-emetic infusions Electrolytes Volumes of typically 100-250 mL Port […]
How to Remove (discontinue) an IV
Overview Proper removal of the IV is based on: Completion of therapy Comfort of the patient Necessary safety precautions Nursing Points General IV catheters should be removed if Therapy is completed (i.e. patient discharge) The IV is not patent Another safety risk is present (i.e. infection, extravasation, phlebitis, etc.) IVs shouldn’t be removed if The […]
IV Placement Start To Finish (How to Start an IV)
Overview IV cannulation should be focused on Providing IV access for fluids or medications Providing access for therapy (such as chemoetherapeutic drugs) Providing emergency venous access Obtaining IV access in a safe way that is most comfortable to the patient. Nursing Points General Verify the need for cannulation Need for therapy Infection, fluid resuscitation, etc. […]
Bariatric: IV Insertion
Nursing Points General Nuances of Bariatric Patients Hands are difficult to successfully place an IV Due to excessive tissue and small veins, lower likelihood of success Greatest areas of success Antecubital fossa Forearm Tips Start low (distal) Avoid joints Go bigger Use larger gauges to penetrate more tissue Use judiciously Insertion Verify order, education, and […]
Dark Skin: IV Insertion
Nursing Points General Tips and Tricks Veins may be difficult to see Focus on the IV site that you can palpate Use an alcohol swab to help visualize the site Use a pen cap to make an impression in the skin Use a blood pressure cuff to create more vein distention Insertion Verify order, education, […]
Tattoos IV Insertion
Nursing Points General Patients with tattoos Have decreased visibility of veins due to the pigment of the tattoo Tips and Tricks Use an alcohol swab Helps to create contrast in the skin so you can see the vein Make a mark in the skin with a pen cap or cap of a needle Not the […]
Geriatric: IV Insertion
Nursing Points General Tips and Tricks Use hand veins with caution Painful Sclerotic veins with excessive valves Consider skin integrity Anchor the vein Geriatric patients have veins that “roll” Start low and go at a more shallow angle Insertion Verify order, education, and consent Gather all necessary supplies Prepare for insertion Place the bed at […]
Combative: IV Insertion
Nursing Points General Tips & Tricks for Combative Patient IV Insertion Get help Patient and nurse safety should be the priority Do not rely on restraints Avoid areas where a restraint is or could be placed Orient to reality, make efforts to deescalate, and talk calmly to patient Insertion Verify order, education, and consent Gather […]
Tips & Advice for Newborns (Neonatal IV Insertion)
Nursing Points General Supplies Gather all the supplies and have them ready Friend- it helps to have extra hands 24G IV catheter Pigtail/extension set Armboard Heal warmer Alcohol/betadine Clear tape Tourniquet/rubber band Tegaderm Cotton balls Transducer IV flush (3ml-too much pressure from a 10ml can blow the vein) Positioning On a warmer – need to […]