stopcocks

[General E. Speaking, RN]

Just how long does it take to remember which way to turn the stopcocks? :) I know there is a logical way to look at them and my preceptor turns them without much effort and had been great about explaining the process. Its just so foreign to me. How long before you were doing it with ease?

[CrabbyPatty]

I really don't mean any disrespect, but why is this in the CCU forum? this is a question that needs to be addressed in the student forum.

Maybe because this is something that new CCU nurses (not Student Nurses) might not know??????

[CrabbyPatty]

Wow, seems I annoyed you with my trivial "student" question. I am new to ICU not to nursing. It is such a different world and I just wanted a little insight from the experienced.

I am sure in time I will be flipping the things around like a pro. Thanks for the other responses.

Your question was perfectly acceptable in "this" forum.

[Jump_Nurse]

I'm assuming you are talking about the stopcocks on a triple manifold? Otherwise the stopcocks on individual lines are pretty simple.. On individual lines the LONG part of the stopcock with OFF engraved on it shuts off flow in whichever direction the long piece is pointing.

Things get a bit more complicated, but the principle remains the same on the triple manifold (Swan-Ganz manifold). I'm not sure I can explain the process of zeroing the triple manifold on here in very simple terms... You just need to really look at the manifold, what stopcock is connected to what line, and what each line is monitoring. Hands on practice is certainly the best for this.

One mnemonic that I was taught for remembering where the stopcocks need to be for monitoring was "Stand alone, Kissy, Kissy, Stand alone." While I think this oversimplifies what you're doing, it will get you by in a pinch. Its far better to understand the concept of WHY everything is turned the way it is, rather than just think of this simple phrase. Ask someone in the unit to show you that method, if they know it. I don't know if it is a commonly used phrase, so they may look at you like you have two heads when you ask.

[dianah, ASN]

If for some unknown reason the hospital changes stopcock vendors, those new stopcocks may be labeled or oriented differently and those using the stopcocks (WE!!) may not be informed of the change.

Take a few moments to orient yourself to the stopcock before turning anything.

Again, find the "off" position and the arrows (flow) position.

Once you know these, you're good to go. :)

[NtannRN]

I'm laughing because whom ever wrote about changing your sheets made me smile.I never had to change the sheets yet but had to change the whole aline (we use a "vamp set up) that has a small stopcock that I forgot to uncock when reinfusing the blood and it went backwards into my transducer. I had to change the whole thing. Live and learn!

[General E. Speaking, RN, RN]

I am feeling more comfortable with the stopcocks! Thanks for all the stories/advice. :)