Tips & Advice for Pediatric IV

Overview Setting up for success Get help A two person job… at least! Distraction Television Stuffed animals Books Music Comforting Have caregiver in the room Use treatment room Slow deep breathing Provide encouraging words Positioning Involve caregiver In lap with arms circling may work Lying down and being held down can increase anxiety Allow for […]

IV Pump Management

Overview Intravenous (IV) pumps AKA infusion pumps Administers to patient Medications Fluids Nutrients Blood and blood products Possible routes Intravenous Arterial Subcutaneous Epidural Variety of types and manufacturers Types of IV pumps Large volume Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) Elastomeric Syringe Insulin Benefits Ability to reduce medication errors Control Accuracy Precision Nursing Points General Safety features Varies […]

IV Insertion Course Introduction

Overview Do you struggle with IV insertion? How well do you understand the mechanisms and skills to insert an IV perfectly on the first try? This course will take you through live videos of IV insertion on various populations and insertion in different locations. Learn how to choose the right gauges, IV site, blood draws, […]

Supplies Needed

Overview General Supplies needed Appropriate IV size Saline flush IV start Kit J-loop/Extension set Transparent dressing Tape Chlorhexidine Swab or wipe Tourniquet Order from Provider Nursing Points General IV Selection Appropriate IV size is based on several factors Medical history History of drug use or difficult access Age of the patient Health or fitness level of […]

Using Aseptic Technique

Nursing Points General Best practice Prevents infections Required by policy Reduces complications Maintains the integrity of the peripheral IV Therapeutic Management Identify the location to place the IV Using the chlorhexidine prep swab begin at the location of the site Swab the area in a concentric circle pattern, moving outward Do not go back to […]

Selecting THE vein

Overview Ideal vein selection reduces complications of infection, improved patient outcomes, positive patient experiences, and improves the efficiency of therapy of IV drugs and fluids. Nursing Points General Prior to selecting a vein, consider the patient’s: Current medical condition Edema Trauma Previous medical history Age Physical attributes Height/Weight/BMI Body Hair Skin fragility Previous IV drug […]

Tips & Tricks

Nursing Points General Think it through Visualize the process Setup what you need Bring two of everything Only show one set to make the patient comfortable And to show your confidence Having a second set allows you to try again It’s more efficient Know how the IV works Bevel up Bevel is farther down the […]

IV Catheter Selection (gauge, color)

Overview Selecting the right catheter size for the patient can be a successful task, given the right tribal knowledge and the right evidence based recommendation. Nursing Points IV Needle Gauges, Colors, and Uses Use the smallest gauge and shortest length for treatment (*verify gauge, length, color, and uses with your facility) Needle Gauge Color Uses […]

Positioning

Nursing Points General Select the ideal vein This impacts all other positions Ex: Selecting a leg vein will mean you have to elevate the bed versus being able to place the arm in a bedside table. Place the extremity or position in the ideal location Elevating a foot will decrease optimal vein filling Dangle arms […]

Pain Management for the Older Adult – Live Tutoring Archive

***Previously Recorded*** So how do you deal with pain management in the geriatric patient? What meds do you give? Well, we are here to break it down and teach you the solid foundations to pain management basics, and how you should plan for these questions on the NCLEX!