16G or 18G for IV access?

fourbirds4me · May 14, 2005

We use 18ga

meownsmile, BSN, RN · May 14, 2005

Just wondering what is their rational for using a 16 when 18's are usually sufficient even for surgery.

no er holds · May 14, 2005

You'll get better with practice, but that needle is the size of garden hose! At the trauma center I work at, we use 18s whenever possible.

allnurses Guide · May 14, 2005

The only time we use anything larger than an 18 is in a major trauma or somebody bleeding out. For anybody else, OUCH!

mommatrauma, RN · May 14, 2005

We use 16 and 14 for level 1 and level 2 trauma, unstable MI or GI bleed...everyone else...18...

sbic56, BSN, RN · May 14, 2005

Yeow...no 16's here in L&D here. Typically we use 20g with no problem, occasionaly 18's.

2ndCareerRN · May 14, 2005

In our ER, all traumas get the biggest available, usually 16's. If fluid depleted they get the biggest their vein can handle. There are some LOL's that we are lucky to get a peripherial 22g into. Sometimes a 24g on the finger or thumb is the best we can do.

Most women coming in to deliver have great veins.

When I do pt's coming in for labor (not many, usually done on the floor) I will use a 20 or an 18.

16's are no different than 18's when it comes to putting them in. I actually like the bigger IV's.

bob

palesarah · May 14, 2005

18s here, occasionally 20s

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · May 14, 2005

18 gauge usually...sometimes 20 g...don't think we even stock 16 g on our floor.

k_cole21 · May 14, 2005

I'm not sure what their rationale is. I think it's anesthesia's preference. If that's what they prefer I think they should put them in. 16G are torture.

BENNETTRN · May 15, 2005

Just curious to know what your protocols are in your L&D. I've only used 18G needles until now. The hospital I'm currently at requires 16G for L&D. It's been a challenge for me to use that huge needle!

We use 18G, agree with another poster if its b/c anesth wants a 16 they need to put it in.