Hey... I wanted to ask those experienced RN's out there... when putting in an IV, how do you keep it from bleeding all over the place?? I am told that is normal, BUT I don't think it is. I remember getting an IV before and there was no blood all over the place... I mean it was running down the pt's arm, on the floor, on the bed, etc.
I can get the vein on the first try and I am in, BUT when I disconnect the plunger (not exactly sure what the name is) and try and connect the connector, blood is literally gushing out of the vein through the opening. I try to apply pressure on the catheter, but it still comes out everywhere.
What am I doing wrong, or what can I do to prevent the blood from flowing out once I remove the plunger that has pushed the catheter in??? Once I connect the connector, it's fine and it stops, but in the meantime, it's a river!! HELP!
