IV Catheter Experts - I need your HELP please!

Nurses General Nursing

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I have started giving IV infusions to my 35 yo son at home 3 times per week, likely for at least 6-12 months. I'm currently using 24g catheters and infusing a liter of fluid to gravity, but I've found that I need more control over the infusion rate so I bought a used pump.

My concern is if the a 24g catheter is sufficient to infuse a liter of fluid over 90 minutes without risking blowing the vein. I could slow the rate to infuse over 120 minutes but it's inconvenient. In theory, I could also infuse in 60 minutes as long as he tolerates that rate, which I hope to do eventually.

Obviously comfort is a factor as well, which is the main reason he was started with the 24g. Otherwise I'd just switch to a 22g without hesitation. I also worry about scar tissue over time and wonder if a 24g vs 22g would make enough of a difference to be concerned about.

Input, thoughts and advice would be appreciated?

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Just off the top of my head I can't imagine how there's a huge difference in comfort between a 22g and 24g, or any, really.

I wouldn't hesitate to talk over your concerns with his HHN, since we here aren't in a good position to help you make the best decision.

Best wishes as you undertake this ~

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Just off the top of my head I can't imagine how there's a huge difference in comfort between a 22g and 24g, or any, really.

I wouldn't hesitate to talk over your concerns with his HHN, since we here aren't in a good position to help you make the best decision.

Best wishes as you undertake this ~

You do mean comfort when inserting it, right?

He has no home health nurse, just me. I've seen posts in the past where nurses have discussed the differences in pressure based on the size of the catheter. That's why I thought someone might have some input to help me decide which way to go.

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I am so sorry about your son and situation. If this is going to go on for 6 - 12 months is there any way you could get a Vascular Access Port, (VAP), or a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC), authorized by his primary care physician? He would then go to a same day clinic and have one inserted. Neither one takes long to insert and he would go home soon afterwards.

Both can stay in place for months to years. I worry his peripheral IV access site, veins, are going to become harder and harder to access.

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I am so sorry about your son and situation. If this is going to go on for 6 - 12 months is there any way you could get a Vascular Access Port, (VAP), or a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC), authorized by his primary care physician? He would then go to a same day clinic and have one inserted. Neither one takes long to insert and he would go home soon afterwards.

Both can stay in place for months to years. I worry his peripheral IV access site, veins, are going to become harder and harder to access.

Thanks for your concern. I'm worried about his veins long term as well. Maybe a port or PICC would be better.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Have you spoken with his health care team? We cannot provide medical advice here on AN per the TOS. Best wishes for your son.

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Have you spoken with his health care team? We cannot provide medical advice here on AN per the TOS. Best wishes for your son.

I'm surprised that you consider asking the differences in pressure between different catheters relative to infusion rates to be medical advice, but thanks anyway.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I'm surprised that you consider asking the differences in pressure between different catheters relative to infusion rates to be medical advice, but thanks anyway.

You are referring to your own son, that would be why.

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Yes, asking for advice for one's family member, no matter how trivial it seems (infusion rate), is against the Terms of Service.

One, there is no way of knowing that the person who answers is 1. truly a nurse and 2. has the requisite experience for the advice to be sound and reliable.

Two, again -- it is against the Terms of Service:

"Medical Advice:

ALLNURSES.COM, INC. or its members do not offer medical advice. Any requests for such will be removed. If you have a medical problem, please seek attention from your healthcare provider. You are not allowed to ask for medical advice related to a health situation that affects you, a family member, or someone you know."

Please consult your son's care team (perhaps there is an infusion expert on it or available?) for questions related to his care.

Thank you for your understanding and I wish you both well.

Closing this thread.

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