How to Start an IV | IV Catheter Insertion & Flush Technique in Hand | Nursing Skill

Summary

In this nursing tutorial, Sarah from registerednessrn.com demonstrates how to properly insert a peripheral IV. She walks through essential steps, including gathering supplies, performing hand hygiene, preparing the site, and selecting the correct vein. Key techniques like stabilizing the vein, disinfecting the site with chloraprep, and safely threading the IV are highlighted. Sarah emphasizes the importance of securing the IV with proper dressing and tape, checking for blood return, and following protocols for flushing. This step-by-step guide ensures a safe and efficient IV insertion process, while reminding viewers to always adhere to hospital-specific protocols.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure to follow hospital protocols and guidelines before inserting a peripheral IV.
• 😀 Begin by gathering supplies and performing hand hygiene to ensure cleanliness and prevent infection.
• 😀 Choose an appropriate vein for IV insertion, considering factors like accessibility and size.
• 😀 Trim excess hair from the insertion site to ensure tape adheres properly and minimizes patient discomfort during IV removal.
• 😀 Disinfect the chosen vein site for 30 seconds using chloraprep and allow it to dry completely before insertion.
• 😀 Stabilize the vein by gently pulling on the skin to prevent it from rolling during the procedure.
• 😀 Insert the IV at a 20-degree angle with the bevel facing up, following the natural direction of the vein.
• 😀 Confirm successful blood return to ensure proper vein access before securing the IV.
• 😀 Flush the IV with 3-5 cc of saline using a push-pause technique to check for proper placement and avoid infiltration.
• 😀 Secure the IV by dressing it properly and ensuring all components are tightly connected to avoid dislodgement.
• 😀 Dispose of used materials in the designated receptacles, perform hand hygiene, and document the procedure as required by your facility.

Q & A

What is the first step in preparing for a peripheral IV insertion?

The first step is to gather all the necessary supplies and perform hand hygiene to ensure cleanliness before starting the procedure.

Why is it important to trim the patient's hair before inserting the IV?

Trimming the patient's hair helps the tape to adhere properly to the skin and prevents pain during removal, as well as avoiding the issue of the tape rolling off over time.

What is the purpose of applying a tourniquet before inserting the IV?

The tourniquet helps to engorge the veins, making them more prominent and easier to locate for the IV insertion.

How should the skin be disinfected before IV insertion?

The skin should be disinfected using a chloraprep kit, starting from the center of the intended insertion site and working outward. The area should be cleaned for about 30 seconds, and the disinfectant should be allowed to dry completely before proceeding.

Why is it important to stabilize the vein before inserting the IV needle?

Stabilizing the vein helps prevent it from rolling away during the insertion, making it easier to insert the IV and minimizing discomfort for the patient.

What angle should the IV needle be inserted at?

The IV needle should be inserted at a 20-degree angle, bevel up, in the direction that the vein is naturally oriented to ensure the cannula slides in smoothly.

What does blood return in the IV chamber indicate?

Blood return in the IV chamber indicates that the needle is properly positioned within the vein and is ready for further steps, such as threading the catheter and securing the IV.

How should the IV be flushed after insertion?

The IV should be flushed using a push-pause technique with about 3-5 cc of saline. The flush should be done in increments of 1-2 cc, pausing in between, to ensure proper function and check for any complications like infiltration.

What is the purpose of using a neutral displacement cap or other types of caps?

A neutral displacement cap ensures that there is no need for a sequence when flushing and disconnecting the IV, while other types, such as positive or negative pressure caps, may require specific procedures for flushing and disconnecting.

How should the IV site be secured after insertion?

The IV site should be secured with a dressing and tape to keep the catheter in place. The extension tubing should be secured in a 'J' shape to prevent tension and reduce the risk of the IV slipping out.