Iv cannulation

OVERVIEW

IV cannulation is a technique in which a cannula is placed inside a vein to provide venous access to allows sampling of blood, as well as administration of fluids, medications, parenteral nutrition.

IV CANNULATION SITE

PROCEDURE

Step 01

Introduce yourself to the patient.Clarify the patient’s identity. Explain the procedure to the patient.

Step 02

Ready the following equipment

• Alcohol cleanser.
• Gloves.
• An alcohol wipe.
• A disposable tourniquet.
• An IV cannula.
• A suitable plaster.
• A syringe.
• Saline.
• A clinical waste bin.

Step 03

Sanitise your hands using alcohol cleanser.

Step 04

Position the arm so that it is comfortable for the patient and identify a vein.

Step 05

Apply the tourniquet and re-check the vein.

Step 06

Put on gloves, clean the patient’s skin with the alcohol wipe and let it dry.

Step 07

Remove the cannula from its packaging and remove the needle cover ensuring not to touch the needle.

Step 08

Stretch the skin distally and inform the patient that they should expect a sharp scratch.

Step 09

Insert the needle, bevel upwards at about 30 degrees. Advance the needle until a flashback of blood is seen in the hub at the back of the cannula

Step 10

Once the flashback of blood is seen, progress the entire cannula a further 2mm, then fix the needle, advancing the rest of the cannula into the vein.

Step 11

Release the tourniquet, apply pressure to the vein at the tip of the cannula and remove the needle fully. Remove the cap from the needle and put this on the end of the cannula.

Step 12

Carefully dispose of the needle into the sharps bin.

Step 13

Apply the dressing to the cannula to fix it in place and ensure that the date sticker has been completed and applied.

Step 14

Check that the use-by date on the saline has not passed. If the date is ok, fill the syringe with saline and flush it through the cannula to check for patency.

If there is any resistance, or if it causes any pain, or you notice any localised tissue swelling: immediately stop flushing, remove the cannula and start again.

Step 15

Dispose of gloves and equipment in the clinical waste bin, ensure the patient is comfortable and thank them