INTRAVENOUS FLUID INSERTION

Prepare Materials to be used

 Bottle or bag of IV fluid
 IV needle/cannula/catheter
 IV tubing or administration set
 Tourniquet
 Cotton balls with alcohol
 Tape
 Disposable gloves
 Preparation for IV insertion
1. Check the patient identification and
doctor’s orders
2. Explain in simple terms the procedure to
the patient and make her comfortable
3. Organize correct and adequate lighting
4. Wash hands to prevent infection or
cross-contamination
5. Wear protective gloves
6. Place yourself in a comfortable position;
sitting, if possible
Preparing the IV fluid administration set

1. Check the type, clarity, and expiration of fluid.

2. Close the flow regulator, remove

protective covering from the spike of
tubing set, and insert the spike into the
port of fluid bag or bottle.

3. Place the fluid bag or bottle

higher, squeeze the drip chamber to
fill 1/3 of it, open the flow regulator to
flush the air (and bubbles) from the
rest of the tubing, and close the flow
regulator.
 Choosing the site of insertion

 Preferred
Basilic
• Hand sites
Dorsal metacarpal • Larger veins Cephalic
 Alternative
Dorsal venous • Forearm veins Median
antebrachial
 Last resort
Cephalic Basilic • Leg, foot,
ankle
Choosing the site of insertion

 Avoid
• Areas of joint flexion
• Veins close to arteries and deep lying
vessels
• Small, visible but impalpable superficial
veins
• Veins irritated by previous use
 Use distal veins first
 Use vein on opposite side to the site
of intended procedure
 Performing the venipuncture

Apply a tourniquet above the chosen site to create an

adequate venous filling.
Ask patient to make a fist to maximize vein engorgement.
Palpate the vein or tap it to help it dilate.
Clean the entry site with alcohol and allow it to dry.
Do not repalpate.
Insert the IV catheter into the skin at
30-45º angle with the bevel up and in
the direction of the vein.
Advance the catheter to enter the vein
until blood is seen in the “flash
chamber” of the catheter.
Advance the plastic catheter on
into the vein while leaving the
needle stationary.
Apply gentle pressure over the vein
just proximal to the entry site to
prevent blood flow and remove the
needle from the plastic catheter.
Connect the plastic catheter to the
previously-prepared IV tubing set and
open the flow regulator.
Tape the catheter in place and adjust the flow rate.
Complications of IV insertion
 Hematoma
 Infiltration (pain, swelling, pallor of site,
IV flow rate decreases or stops, absence
of backflow of blood into
the tubing) Change the site
 Thromboembolism
 Air embolism
 Phlebitis and septicemia
 Fluid overload
Demonstration