Q: I know I’m in the vein but get no blood return and when I flush with saline to check it blows. Can it be pt is dehydrated. A: The presence of a blood return during the insertion of a peripheral IV catheter is an indication that the tip of the catheter has entered the…
Q: I know not to but reality is, many nurses use the AC (antecubital fossa) to start and dwell a peripheral IV. It is the easiest place to find a vein so why not use it? A: The antecubital fossa is in front of the elbow, bounded laterally and medially by the humeral origins of…
The practice criteria in the INS standard 35 on vascular access site preparation and device placement states: “No more than 2 attempts at vascular access placement should be made by any 1 nurse, as multiple unsuccessful attempts limit future vascular access, and cause patients unnecessary pain. Patients with difficult vascular access require a careful assessment…
My sincerest thanks to everyone who took the survey on short peripheral IV posted on June 3, 2013. You were very gracious in responding and we sincerely appreciate your feedback. If you haven’t yet but would like to take the survey, there is still time. Click here to take the survey! Again, thank you so much!
If you are a registered nurse inserting short peripheral IVs , would you be interested in answering a short survey on peripheral IVs? The survey is open to registered nurses, whether you are part of an IVteam/PICC/Vascular access team or not, and actively inserting short peripheral IVs in all healthcare settings. The survey results will be integrated in…
The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) is celebrating its 40th year as the premier organization for infusion nurses. Through the years, this organization has gone through many changes, a name change from National Intravenous Therapy Association (NITA) , and yes, even the logos. But one thing remains the same, it continues to set the standards for…
Q: If I don’t get a blood return when checking a PIV for patency before administering an IV, does that make it unsafe to proceed? A: While verification of a blood return on a short peripheral IV is the common way to check for patency, sometimes, it is difficult to obtain a blood return in…
I am always delighted to get IV questions from colleagues on social networks. Occasionally, I post them on this blog in the spirit of learning. Here’s one on IV needle insertion. Q: Tell me do you insert a needle up or down? A: I am assuming the question you are asking pertains to the bevel…
The goal when selecting the proper gauge of an peripheral IV catheter is to ensure that the best device meets the patient’s needs. This means taking into consideration many factors such as: Prescribed therapy/type of solution Duration of treatment Peripheral vein availability/vein integrity Diagnosis /Age Known complications of the device The Infusion Nurses Society standards of practice states…
A nurse colleague started a new job as an infusion nurse for a physician office based practice offering infusion services (non chemo) to their patients. After a few days, the nurse left the new job for the following reasons: Another RN in the office routinely mixes IV medication for the infusion nurses to administer. The IV medication…
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