IV Insertion Basics
What does IV stand for?
Intravenous
What size IV catheters are typically used for adults?
18-24 gauge
What is the first step to protect a patient against infection during IV insertion?
Hand Hygiene
What are some signs and symptoms of common complications with a peripheral IV catheter?
Pain, swelling, redness, bruising
What should you do with the patient before you begin any physical peripheral IV insertion steps?
Educate the patient
What is the primary purpose of establishing IV access in a patient?
To deliver medications directly into the patient's bloodstream.
What is the device, usually a simple rubber length, used to temporarily stop the flow of blood to peripheral veins during IV insertion?
Tourniquet
What is the sudden appearance of blood in the IV catheter that confirms that the catheter is within the patient's vein called?
Flashback
What is the first step if a nurse notices any signs or symptoms of infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, or other complications?
Discontinue the IV
What does the patient need to do before you can begin any of the physical peripheral IV insertion steps?
Consent to the procedure
Should you place IV sites distal to proximal or proximal to distal?
Distal to Proximal
What is the preferred dressing to secure a peripheral inserted IV catheter?
Tegaderm IV dressing
How long should the antiseptic agent dry on the skin before insertion of the needle?
At least 30 seconds
What is the term for an IV catheter that has punctured through the vein?
Infiltration
What is a consideration for a patient with small or fragile veins?
Use a smaller IV gauge
Aside from using anatomical landmarks, what is another way to guide IV catheter insertion that utilizes specialty equipment that the nurse must be trained on?
Ultrasound guided IV
What is the preferred antiseptic agent used to prep the skin before IV insertion?
Chlorhexidine
After insertion of the IV catheter, what should done to ensure that the catheter is in the correct place?
Check for blood return and flush with saline.
What is the inflammation of a vein caused by IV therapy called?
Phlebitis
What is the preferred IV insertion site in a stable but potentially emergent patient in the emergency room setting?
The antecubital fossa
According to the CDC, how long can a peripheral IV catheter remain in place before needing to be replaced?
72 - 96 hours
What is the name of the device at the end of an IV catheter that allows for two medications to be infused simultaneously?
Y-site connector
What documentation is required after IV catheter insertion?
Date, Time, Site, Catheter Gauge, Number of Attempts, Patient Reactions
What is the complication in which fluid leaks from the vein into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling and pain?
Extravasation
What are some considerations of a patient with known history of difficult IV access?