leerner

if you're looking for an AC vein, have the pt make a fist and then bend their elbow slightly then feel for a vein. Some people just have lousy veins (genetics, current or past meds/treatments, frequent I.V. meds-frequent flyers, has been my experience). With these people, you can keep their elbow bent and stick them and get flashback but can't advance, but have them straighten their elbow and you then may be able to advance. Older pt's- don't tighten the tourniquet as much. Larger people- try using two tourniquets together. Hope that helps. Oh, I work in an E.R. and any I.V. that you can get in and works is all you need in most cases unless you have a pt in critical condition, in those cases use your E.J.'s or have doc place central line, whatever is needed.