Tips on inserting Peripheral IV catheter for IV infusions

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone!

I am RN but without much of experience.

Right now my boss wants me to practice to start an IV infusions.

I had 2 patients today and i couldnt start any of their IVs.

Do you have any tips how to make it work?

What angle do you stick the patient( almost flat or like 30 degrees?)

Coz that happened is i was in the vein and then when i tried to advance a little bit i lost it and didnt have any more blood flow. Why does it happen?

Please share your advices on how to sucessfully start an IV.

Thanks

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Specializes in previously Med/Surg; now Nursery.

Hi,

I have worked for the past 2 years on a Med-Surg unit. I've been lucky to get to work with several nurses with years of experience. My biggest tip is for dealing with older adults who have frail veins. The tourniquet can put too much pressure causing the veins to blow. Have another nurse go with you to apply light pressure with their hand where you would have applied the tourniquet. It gives just enough pressure to dilate the veins making a patent insertion more likely. Since I was shown this method, I have not had one failed stick on fragile, elderly veins.

Good luck to you! :balloons:

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Specializes in ICU, Surgery.

Try this link:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f18/iv-tips-tricks-3793.html?highlight=sticking+tips and GOOD LUCK!

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Thank you all!:)

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