Peds IV Tips....

[Aneroo]

Hello! I am a new ER nurse, and I have to say, peds is one of the things I am most scared of.

Does anyone have any tips on starting/maintaining peds IV's? Any help will be appreciated. -Andrea

[vamedic4, EMT-P]

Don't flush ivs in babies and kids with a syringe larger than three mls. I see ER nurses all the time use the prefilled 10 cc syringes. Also heparin for capped lines if you ever want to use it again.

I have to disagree here. I have used 5 and even 10 cc syringes to flush IVs for many years...as long as you use a needle or needleless device with a large bore there is less pressure in the line, reducing the chance of "blowing" the vein. Many times you have to flush, then reflush, and flush again during and after the taping process to establish and ensure patency. And of course...PLEASE flush with heparin unless it's JUST a saline lock.

vamedic4