Here's a step-by-step guide on how to insert an IV, drawing from the provided reference:
Preparation Steps
- Hand Hygiene: Begin by performing thorough hand hygiene. This is critical to prevent infection.
- Prime IV Catheter:
- Take your IV catheter extension and prime it with a normal saline flush.
- Make sure to leave the syringe attached to the extension and maintain the sterility of the extension. This ensures the line is ready for immediate use and prevents air embolism.
- Tourniquet Application & Vein Selection:
- Apply a tourniquet 10 to 15 cm above the intended insertion site. This helps to make the veins more prominent.
- Select a suitable vein for cannulation. Look for a vein that is straight and palpable.
Insertion Process
- Release the Tourniquet: Briefly release the tourniquet.
- Hand Hygiene and Gloves: Perform hand hygiene again and put on a pair of clean gloves to ensure you're using proper infection control techniques.
- [Steps 7 and onward (not included in the reference), involve skin preparation, actual insertion of the needle, securing the catheter, and checking patency].
These steps are a crucial starting point for inserting an IV. While the provided reference includes some of the important preparation steps, please remember that inserting an IV is a complex procedure that should be performed by trained medical professionals only.
