How many I.V.'s

[summertx]

How many I.V.'s (lumens, central lines and PIV's) do you see normally in the ICU and what is the maximum amount of drips do you have running? I want to make sure I can handle this many drips before I go into ICU. 

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

 I doubt this is typical but here's a picture of the IV pole my husband had while in the ICU around the time of his transplant surgery. I took one look and thought no way would I like to keep up with that mess!  He had a PICC line, I believe a central line by that point and a couple of peripheral IV's. 

 

 

 

 

[marienm, RN, CCRN]

I recently took care of a vented septic patient who had 12 channels running plus CRRT. Patient had a quad-lumen CVC, an A-line, and a VasCath (and then the next day the patient was actually more stable but needed a bunch of incompatible meds so someone placed a couple of peripheral IV's too).  

 

This isn't the *most* channels I've had running, but it's a good number.  Several med lines (compatibility and timing), a couple of pressors (titrating frequently), sedation, anticoagulation (frequent lab draws), blood products, fluids, bicarbonate gtt.

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

Like Marienm said some of the sickest patients I have cared for have 12-14 drips infusing, CRRT, art line, etc. In situations like this I will be using a triple lumen and probably 2-3 PIVs as well. It just depends on the situation. I usually like to have a "free" line in case of emergencies or incompatible anti-infectives.