How is a drip applied?

A drip, which often refers to an intravenous (IV) infusion, is applied using a specific procedure involving a cannula inserted into a vein.

The Drip Application Procedure:

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how a drip is applied, incorporating information from the provided reference:

1. Tourniquet Application: Initially, a tourniquet is placed around the arm where the drip will be administered. This helps make the veins more prominent and easier to locate.

2. Skin Preparation: The skin at the chosen insertion site is cleaned with an alcohol wipe. This crucial step reduces the risk of infection.

3. Cannula Insertion: A sterile, single-use cannula, which is essentially an IV needle, is carefully inserted into the selected vein.

4. Needle Removal: After successful vein entry, the metal part of the cannula (the needle itself) is removed, leaving a flexible plastic tube within the vein.

5. Infusion Connection: Finally, the drip is connected to the plastic tube, allowing the intravenous fluid or medication to flow directly into the bloodstream.

Key Aspects of Drip Application:

• Sterility: Maintaining a sterile environment is critical to avoid infections. Hence the use of single-use cannulas and alcohol wipes.
• Vein Access: The tourniquet ensures effective venous access for cannula insertion.
• Plastic Catheter: The flexible plastic tube remains in the vein allowing for easy administration of fluids/medication.

Step	Description
1. Tourniquet	Applied to make veins prominent.
2. Skin Prep	Cleaned with alcohol wipe to reduce infection risk.
3. Cannula	Sterile cannula inserted into the vein.
4. Needle Removal	Metal needle is removed, leaving plastic tube in the vein.
5. Infusion	Drip connected to the plastic tube.