Once again about starting an IV

CuttingEdgeRN · May 9, 2006

HI, Mostly it just takes practice. I always loosen the connector on my tubing and place it close by, After you loosen tourniquet, holding pressure, above site, I stick a 4x4 under catheter (before removing needle) to catch any drops. then connect tubing.

rayniedae · May 9, 2006

Try this:

Your left hand (whichever finger you prefer) should be both applying pressure to the vein (which will keep it from bleeding) and holding the catheter in place (the plastic thing). While you are holding that in place, you have all the time you need (within reason) to connect your infusion, which should already be all set up and ready to go. Hope this is helpful!

Woman_in_love · May 9, 2006

I tried to apply the pressure but somehow it didnt work:( ANyway, is there any risk for dislodging the IV by putting a pressure?

How much pressure should i apply?

Thank you

CuttingEdgeRN · May 9, 2006

Just enough to stop the flow of blood. It shouldn't dislodge the IV. I forgot to say CONGRATS on getting your first 2 IVs!!!! After a few sticks, it will come easier for you, I promise!

rayniedae · May 9, 2006

How much pressure to apply - that's a tough question to answer online! Not TOO much, but enough and at the right spot (about 1/2 cm above the insertion site). If blood is still coming out - try moving further away from the insertion site. You will get the feel for it after a while (of where to put pressure and how much).

Woman_in_love · May 9, 2006

Thanks a lot!:)

Thats the only thing that stresses me out-that blood that keeps flowing out and messing everything around.

I hope i can learn to avoid that:)

TazziRN, RN · May 10, 2006

Congrats on getting them! Mostly the neatness factor takes practice.

Another tip: start a saline lock to begin with and tape that down, then plug your line in. That way you don't have the weight of the IV tubing pulling on the catheter and there's less risk of it being pulled out.

PANurseRN1 · May 10, 2006

I do both; I put a 2x2 underneath as soon as I'm sure it's in and the needle is retracted, and I also apply a little pressure. When I first started doing IVs, a few pts would get upset seeing "all that blood," but thanks to another nurse, I learned the 2x2 and pressure trick.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 10, 2006

Congratulations on your sticks! When I first started sticking as a medic, this was a huge problem for me too. I even developed a reputation as a messy medic! Here is what I discovered:

I press down on the skin directly over the end of the catheter. Some people try to press on the vein just above where the catheter tip is, but I still get bleeding when I do that. By pressing over the catheter tip itself, it stops any bleeding and it also holds the catheter in position. I've never dislodged a catheter with this method.

Until you get the hang of it, I would use a small folded towel under the patient's arm. That way, if there is any bleeding, you don't have to change the patient's gown, pulse ox site, bed linens, or anything else.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · May 10, 2006

Thank you for this thread! I'm a new nurse and have been starting a few IV's and getting rather messy I just make sure to keep a chuck under the arm I'm sticking. I'll have to try some of these techniques!

scrmblr · May 10, 2006

I always use a chucks when I start an IV. I'm getting better about occluding the vien, but I still make a mess!