IV in AC

[webbiedebbie]

Anyone else frustrated by getting patients from ER with IV's in the antecubital? Nine times out of ten we have to pull them and restart the IV. Patient's don't like them there and can't bend their arms. I know it is easier for paramedics to start them there, but I'm not sure the reason for ER to start them there. Perhaps someone can enlighten me?

[theresca]

As a former ER nurse, I can say that I did not utilize the AC space unless absolutely necessary. Most of my colleagues felt the same. We would receive them from EMS with the IV's already in place-in the AC!

[deathnurse]

psychomachia has the definitive answer. And, again, I'm amazed at the very question.

Oh, give me a wino at change of shift!

It's now 0232 and my rants and rave continue, despite the Cuervo conditioner.

The dog's lickin' my hand again.

[hospicemom]

I agree, i hate those AC sites. ER is only intrested in the easiest place for them to get a site and administer pain meds or whatever they need to, and thats ok, thats their job. Their concern is not for the longer term comfort of the patient if they end up being admitted, it becomes our problem then. We usually leave them in until they are wasted, pull them and restart. We dont restart a new site just because it is in a awkward place unless there is reason for it to be. They usually dont last that long in the AC anyway after the patient reaches the floor.

I also cant stand the AC sites wehn they come to my floor, however I can see in an emergent situation when you take the biggest juicist vein. Another pet peave is when they dont put the J-loops on it.....I hate taking the IV down to the site.......Cap it with Something.