IV CANNULATION

- The purpose of IV therapy is to deliver fluids or provide medications directly into the veins
which is the fastest way for absorption. This also provides nutrition to the patient.

Procedure:
1. Verify the written prescription for IV therapy and check prepared IVF and other things needed.
- To ensure the need for the therapy and that the right medication is ordered to the right
patient.

2. Explain the procedure to reassure the patient and significant others and observe the 10
rights.
- To establish rapport and enhance cooperation from the patient.

3. Prepare the needed equipment.

- To save time and energy.

4. Do hand hygiene before the procedure.

- To deter the spread of microorganisms.

5. Choose a site for IV.

- To safely administer fluids or medication, the site should be free from edema, scarring,
and skin breakdown. To prevent interference with the IV line.

6. Apply the tourniquet 5 to 12 cm (2-6 inches) above the injection site depending on the
condition of the patient.
- This is done to engorge the veins making it easier to locate and successfully insert the iv
Cannula

7. Prepare the site with effective topical antiseptic or cotton balls with alcohol in circular motion
and allow 30 seconds to dry.
- This promotes cleanliness and avoids contamination thus reducing the risk of infection.

8. Check for pulse below tourniquet.

- To ensure blood flow, avoiding tissue damage from restricted circulation.
9. Using the appropriate IV cannula, pierce skin with needle positioned on a 15-30 degree
angle.
- To ensure that vein is punctured successfully.

10. Upon flashback visualization decrease the angle, advance the catheter and stylet (¼ inch)
into the vein, check if tip of catheter can be rotated freely inside the vein.
- To ensure proper placement of iv cannula.

11. Position the IV catheter parallel to the skin. Hold stylet stationary and slowly advance the
catheter until the hub is 1mm to the puncture site.
- To ensure that the catheter is in place and secured and avoid through and through.

12. Release the tourniquet, remove the stylet while applying digital pressure over the catheter
with one finger about 1-2 inch from the tip of the inserted catheter.
- To release pressure from the vein caused by the tourniquet and to prevent blood leakage
when withdrawing the needle.

13. Anchor the needle firmly in place with the use of:
a. Transparent tape/dressing sirectly on the puncture site.
b. Tape (using any appropriate anchoring style)
- This is done to secure the site and keep it from moving.

14. Tape a small loop of IV tubing for additional anchoring; apple splint if needed.
- To secure placement and prevent pulling of the IV tube.
15. Connect the infusion tubing of the prepared IVF aseptically to the IV catheter.
- To prevent cross contamination.

16. Open the clamp, regulate the flow rate.

- To ensure that fluid administration is controlled and the pt does not receive either too
much or too little fluid.

17. Calibrate the IVF bottle and regulate flow of infusion according to prescribed duration.
- To ensure that the fluids or medications administered are controlled and the patient does
not receive over or under the right amount.

18. Label on IV tape near the IV site to indicate date of insertion, type of gauge of IV catheter
and countersign.
- To ensure essential and appropriate information in collaboration with other healthcare
personnel caring for the patient.

19. Label with plaster on the IV tubing to indicate the date when to change the IV tubing.
- To ensure timely replacement of fluids and medications.

20. Observe patient and report any untoward effect.

- To avoid further complications. So that If unusuality occurs, appropriate intervention will
be provided right away.

21. Document in the patient’s chart and endorse to incoming shift.

- This will serve as a baseline data and proof that procedures were done.

22. Discard sharps and waste to appropriate container and do handwashing.

- To ensure safety of both the nurse and the patient preventing cross contamination