Intravenous Cannulation (IV)

 steps of IV cannula insertion

1. Introduce yourself to the patient.
2.  clarify the patient’s identity.
3.  Explain the procedure to the patient and gain informed consent to continue. It is also worth explaining that cannulation may cause some discomfort but that it will be short lived. 
4. maintain patient privacy.
5. gathering equipment.

• alcohol.
• Iv cannula {ensure size matches with patient age}.
• disposable tourniquet.
• gloves. 
• sharp bin.
  
  
  
• syringe.
• saline.
• suitable plaster.

1. wash hands.
2. Position the arm so that it is comfortable for the patient and identify a vein.
3. Put on your gloves, clean the patient’s skin with the alcohol wipe and let it dry.
4. Remove the cannula from its packaging and remove the needle cover ensuring not to touch the needle.
5. Stretch the skin distally and tell the patient to expect a sharp scratch.
6.  Insert the needle, bevel upwards at about 30 degrees. Advance the needle until a flashback of blood is seen in the hub at the back of the cannula.
7. Once this is seen, progress the entire cannula a further 2mm, then fix the needle, advancing the rest of the cannula into the vein.
8. Release the tourniquet, apply pressure to the vein at the tip of the cannula and remove the needle fully. Remove the cap from the needle and put this on the end of the cannula.
9. Carefully dispose of the needle into the sharps box.
10. Apply the dressing to the cannula to fix it in place and ensure that the date sticker has been completed and applied.
11. Check that the use-by date on the saline has not passed. If the date is ok, fill the syringe with saline and flush it through the cannula to check for patency. If there is any resistance, if it causes any pain, or you notice any localised tissue swelling; immediately stop flushing, remove the cannula and start again.
12. Dispose of your gloves and equipment in the clinical waste bin, ensure the patient is comfortable.

watch this video for more explanation