Pulling back too hard on PIV and getting air.

Published

Specializes in CVICU.

What is it called when you pull back too hard on a PIV and get air??? I am racking my brain and I can't remember the specific term it's called!!! Basically the PIV can suck down on the vasculature and then you get air back in your syringe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
Cavitation - Wikipedia
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Why are you pulling back?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Turbulence, thrill?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You dont get air unless the iv has come out of the patient's arm. You get a vacuum.

Either way its bad from. A peripheral iv that's not giving blood return with a gentle pull will never start giving blood when you pull harder. You just damage the vein. Manipulate its position, flush, apply a tourniquet, have the patient make a fist, etc, instead. But dont pull harder.

What's it called? No idea. Just dont do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Can somebody explain this?

IF an IV is positional, or against a valve, withdrawing can help. But what is pulling harder? How hard do you have to pull?

And, where is the air coming from.

I draw a lot of blood from a lot of PIVs, but don't understand the question.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

Thank you Lucky you! That's what I thought it was called but couldn't remember LOL!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion