IV's

allnurses Guide · Dec 20, 2004

Well, some of us use lidocaine to numb the skin before starting an IV. Is that what you mean? It isn't very much though so your comment "all that clear stuff" makes me wonder.

steph

Altra, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2004

Before starting an IV? I've never seen this ...

Once a line is in place, it is routinely flushed with saline before & after the administration of meds, or periodically (once per shift, once per 12 hours, or once per day, depending on the facility's protocol) if there are no continuous infusions running.

stephera · Dec 20, 2004

No, after they insert the needle they inject some clear stuff. :chuckle Sorry, I wish I was in Nursing School already!!!HAHA I am not sure but is it to make it not get clogged up?

Well, some of us use lidocaine to numb the skin before starting an IV. Is that what you mean? It isn't very much though so your comment "all that clear stuff" makes me wonder.
steph

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Dec 20, 2004

Oh! That would be Normal Saline, I guess.

Katnip, RN · Dec 20, 2004

Once the catheter is in, normal saline is injected into the IV to make sure the line is patent (open) and usable, and that it hasn't infiltrated.

stephera · Dec 20, 2004

What exactly is it for?

Oh! That would be Normal Saline, I guess.

stephera · Dec 20, 2004

Thanks for the info. I was just wondering why they put so much in?

Once the catheter is in, normal saline is injected into the IV to make sure the line is patent (open) and usable, and that it hasn't infiltrated.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Dec 20, 2004

Lets make this a little more detailed.

1. Okay are we talking a needle injected into the skin BEFORE they place an IV needle in? Or are we talking about something injected into the IV port via another syringe??? (like taking a syringe and putting things directly in the IV line...).

2. Was this done at the start of the IV..or is this done any time medication is put in? Was it only done once..or several times?

3. And what was the reason for the IV? (in other words, what was going on with the patient?)

4. Where was the IV placed? Was it in the arm, or a tube going into the upper chest? Was their any mention of "central line" or "PICC line" (different types of IV's that take certified special skills to place) that you know of?

5. Did a doctor or special nurse have to put this in, or did a paramedic?

6. Did the patient complain of any burning or pain when it was put in or minutes after? Or nothing at all? (helps with certain pain meds..some burn a bit at first..then ohhhhh it feels better..LOL!).

There are many CLEAR meds to be put in IV...but knowing the situation can really help pinpoint medications that may have been used for certain purposes.

Oh and like my Bio teacher told me wayyyyyyy back in High school...never use the word 'stuff' if you can avoid it...it really isn't very discriptive where as other words may help to discribe things a tad more. I might have simply said "clear liquid" or in some cases "thick clear liquid" (if it was more gel like). Also, the word 'stuff' makes people seem less informed than they might actually be...so I try to avoid that term :) Heck, it is more fun to come up with a descriptive term anyway...or for me it is.

allnurses Guide · Dec 20, 2004

If I start an IV that will just be a saline lock (IV access to a vein without a running fluid/tubing) I flush the lock with normal saline to make sure I have a patent IV. If I start an IV that will be a running I just attach the tubing and open the clamp and see if the fluid from the tubing/bag runs in and then turn on the IV pump at the ordered rate.

steph

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Dec 20, 2004

I was just wondering why they put so much in?

How much is "so much"?