Why are jaudinced babies harder to start IVs on>

Specialties NICU

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Specializes in NICU and travel nursing.

Does anyone know? we were talking about it tonight. Are they dehydrated? is that a reason? Another nurse said maybe because they 3rd space? Any ideas?

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I've never noticed.

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Specializes in NICU.

We notice that they are harder sticks, too. Either their skin is tough like leather or they're dehydrated. Either way, their veins seem to blow a lot when you start IVs on them. I never really researched WHY this might be. Anyone have any other ideas?

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

They're term babies (more tissue between you and the vein), almost ALWAYS dehydrated. Go slower, wait longer for a blood return. Flush the catheter before--makes it easier for the blood to flow back if the inside of the catheter is wet vs dry.

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Specializes in NICU, CVICU.

Had this exact issue today with a jaundiced baby - couldn't get an IV to save our lives (or his!), everything blew - even if we'd get a wonderful blood return...

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Their hct is generaly higher, and dehydration. If you notice they also will not bleed well with heelsticks and are slow feeders.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I agree and would say dehydration is our biggest issue with these kiddos. If their veins are as dry as their lips, that explains a lot.

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Specializes in Adult Cardiac surgical.

I think there are numberous reasons why it may be more diffciult to start an IV in a baby. The size of the vein for one. I have found that using my wee-sight transilluminator REALLY helps identify veins that would not normally be visualized. I also notice that I have trouble with the older chubby babies.

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